#.' 


SPENSER'S 


BRITOMART 


FROM  BOOKS  HI,  IV,  AND  V 

OF   THB 

FAERY     QUEENE 


EDITED,  WITH    INTRODUCTION   AND    NOTES 

BV 

MARY    E.  LITCHFIELD 


BOSTON,  U.S.A.,  AND  LONDON 
GINN    &    COMPANY,    PUBLISHERS 


1896 


COPYRIGHT,  1896 
BY  MARY  E.  LITCHFIELD 


ALL   RIGHTS    RESERVED 


PREFACE. 


EXCEPT  to  the  special  student  of  literature,  Britomart, 
the  most  charming  of  Spenser's  heroines,  is  almost 
unknown.  Indeed,  she  has  for  long  years  been  wan- 
dering in  the  mazes  of  the  poet's  fairy-land,  well-nigh 
lost  to  view.  And  yet  no  story  in  the  Faery  Queene  is 
so  romantic  and  none  has  such  a  strong  human  inter- 
est as  that  which  tells  of  the  "lady  knight."  As  we 
read  of  her  adventures  we  are  reminded  of  Rosalind  in 
the  forest  of  Arden.  In  this  little  book  the  scattered 
portions  of  Spenser's  interesting  narrative  have  been 
taken  out  and  re-united.  It  has  been  necessary  to  omit 
stanzas  and  occasionally  lines  from  the  parts  selected, 
but  the  language  of  the  poet  has  in  no  instance  been 
tampered  with.  In  the  case  of  writers  like  Dante  and 
Milton,  the  attempt  to  take  out  and  re-unite  scattered 
portions  would  be  an  evident  impertinence.  With 
Spenser,  however,  a  genius  whose  constructive  ability 
did  not  enable  him  to  make  of  a  long  poem  an  artistic 
whole,  the  proceeding  seems  justifiable.  The  text  is 
that  of  the  best  editions,  but  the  spelling  has  been 
modernized  except  where  the  modern  spelling  would 

273353 


iv  PREFACE. 

change  the  sound  of  the  word.  In  the  elucidation  of 
difficult  passages  the  highest  authorities  have  been  con- 
sulted. The  notes,  however,  contain  only  such  infor- 
mation as  is  necessary  to  the  intelligent  study  of  the 
poem.  In  order  that  this  study  may  prove  a  delight 
rather  than  a  task,  the  notes  have  been  placed  at  the 
bottom  of  the  page,  and  have  been  so  arranged  that 
any  portion  of  the  narrative  may  be  read  by  itself. 
Except  for  a  few  suggestions,  there  has  been  no  attempt 
at  tracing  the  allegory. 


INTRODUCTION. 


SINCE  every  piece  of  literature  is  in  a  way  the  prod- 
uct of  the  age  in  which  it  is  written,  we  must,  if  we 
would  rightly  estimate  the  poetry  of  Spenser,  consider 
the  circumstances  amid  which  the  poet  lived  and  the 
events  and  movements  that  left  their  impress  upon 
his  character.  And  since  Spenser's  poetry  has  an 
important  —  though  not  the  most  important — place  in 
the  literature  of  the  i6th  century  in  England,  it  is  well, 
before  studying  his  works,  to  seek  to  know  the  causes 
that  led  to  the  unparalleled  literary  activity  of  the 
Elizabethan  Age. 

During  the  century  that  preceded  the  birth  of  Spen- 
ser, great  events  followed  one  another  in  quick  succes- 
sion :  in  1453  Constantinople  was  taken  by  the  Turks, 
and  through  the  Greek  scholars  that  fled  to  Italy  the 
culture  of  Greece  was  carried  into  Western  Europe ; 
about  1475  Caxton  set  up  his  printing-press  in  Eng- 
land ;  Columbus  discovered  the  New  World  in  1492  ; 
in  1517  Luther  attacked  the  doctrine  of  indulgences  ; 
in  1534  Henry  VIII  declared  himself  head  of  the  Eng- 
lish church.  However,  not  until  the  reign  of  Elizabeth, 
with  its  long  years  of  internal  peace,  did  the  conditions 
resulting  from  these  events  find  adequate  expression  in 
English  literature.  Caxton  fortunately  set  up  his 


vi  INTRODUCTION. 

printing-press  just  as  the  New  Learning  was  making  its 
way,  bringing  from  Itajy  an  enthusiasm  for  the  classics 
and  awakening  among  English  scholars  an  interest  in 
the  study  of  the  Bible  in  the  original  tongues.  In  the 
religious  disturbances  that  darkened  the  reigns  of 
Edward  VI  and  Mary,  the  light  of  the  New  Learning 
seemed  in  danger  of  being  quenched ;  but,  with  the 
coming  of  Elizabeth,  herself  a  lover  of  Greek  and  Latin 
literature,  the  classics  regained  their  supremacy,  and 
the  grammar  schools,  recently  established,  spread  the 
love  of  learning  among  the  people. 

S  A  spirit  of  inquiry  in  regard  to  natural  phenomena 
was  abroad  in  Elizabeth's  time.  The  Copernican  sys- 
tem was  revolutionizing  men's  ideas  in  regard  to  the 
relations  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  and,  before  many 
years,  Francis  Bacon  was  to  give  to  the  study  of  natural 
science  an  impulse  such  as  it  had  never  before  received 
in  England.  - 

In  the  province  of  religion  old  barriers  were  swept 
aside  and  new  forces  were  given  full  play.  When 
Henry  VIII  threw  off  his  allegiance  to  Rome  and 
declared  himself  head  of  the  English  church,  the 
national  consciousness  was  no  doubt  quickened  ;  but 
the  event  that  did  most  during  his  reign  toward  devel- 
oping the  moral  and  religious  sentiment  of  the  nation 
was  the  translation  of  the  Bible  into  English.  In  a  few 
years  the  Bible,  known  already  through  the  teachings  of 
the  clergy,  became  the  one  book  of  the  mass  of  the 
people  ;  the  images  of  the  Hebrew  writers  were  in 
every  mind,  their  phrases  on  every  tongue.  More  than 
Homer  to  the  Greek  was  the  Bible  to  the  Englishman; 


INTRODUCTION.  vii 

for  from  it  he  gained  that  moral  strength,  that  realiza- 
tion of  his  individual  worth  as  the  child  of  God,  which 
made  him  battle  with  a  stout  heart  against  the  dreaded 
power  of  Catholic  Spain,  and  which,  later,  enabled  him 
to  resist  successfully  the  tyranny  of  his  own  rulers. 
The  translation  of  the  Bible  exercised  an  influence 
upon  the  development  of  English  literature  ;  and  the 
influence  was  in  part  owing  to  the  time  at  which 
the  translation  was  made  ;  that  is,  it  was  made  just 
when  the  language  was  ripe  for  it.  Not  until  the  i6th 
century  were  the  various  elements  that  go  to  make  up 
the  English  tongue  thoroughly  assimilated.  While 
to-day  the  language  of  Chaucer  needs  to  be  studied, 
the  speech  of  the  i6th  century,  freed  from  its  peculiar- 
ities in  spelling,  may  easily  be  read  by  a  person  of  ordi- 
nary intelligence  ;  in  fact,  it  is  practically  modern 
English.  By  the  wide  and  rapid  diffusion  of  the  Bible, 
the  people  as  a  whole,  even  those  speaking  peculiar 
dialects,  became  familiar  with  a  body  of  writings 
expressed  in  the  literary  medium  of  the  period.  Con- 
sequently the  16th-century  writers  when  employing 
the  current  tongue  could  appeal  to  persons  of  vari- 
ous social  conditions.  This  is  one  reason  why  the 
literature  of  the  Elizabethan  Age  is  the  literature,  not 
of  a  class,  but  of  a  nation. 

While  the  influences  just  mentioned  quickened  the 
moral  perceptions  and  refined  the  literary  instincts  of  the 
people,  the  "discovery  of  the  New  World  awoke  in  them 
a  sudden  consciousness  of  their  own  force,  and  led  them 
to  realize  in  a  slight  degree  the  part  they  were  destined 
to  play  on  the  great  stage  of  the  world.  Up  to  the 


viii  INTRODUCTION. 

beginning  of  the  i6th  century  Englishmen  had  been 
obliged  to  acknowledge  that  their  small  island  had  little 
weight  in  the  affairs  of  Europe.  She  had  heretofore 
looked  to  Rome  for  spiritual  guidance  and  to  Italy  and 
France  for  inspiration  and  teaching  in  literary  matters. 
Now  at  last  she  was  to  take  her  true  place  in  the  onward 
march  of  the  nations.  The  discovery  of  America  and 
the  subsequent  explorations  of  daring  navigators  sailing 
under  English  colors  had  given  to  England  even  more 
truly  than  to  Castile  and  Leon  a  "  New  World."  The 
spirit  of  the  Vikings  that  had  slumbered  for  centuries 
in  their  descendants  awoke,  and  England  felt  her  real 
power  —  the  power  of  the  conqueror  and  the  colonizer; 
the  power  which  was  to  make  that  "  little  body  with  a 
mighty  heart"  the  greatest  civilizing  force  of  modern 
times. 

As  we  consider  these  facts  we  begin  to  see  why  the 
man  of  the  Elizabethan  Age  differed  in  many  respects 
both  from  his  predecessors  and  from  his  descendants. 
We  can  now  account  for  his  unruly  passions,  his  lively 
imagination,  his  religious  intolerance,  and  his  love  of 
adventure.  We  do  not  wonder  that  the  finer  spirits 
of  the  time  were  inspired  by  lofty  and  generous  ideals. 
Fortunate,  indeed,  was  the  genius  whose  lot  was  cast 
in  this  remarkable  century;  if  not  heir  of  all  the  ages 
that  have  stored  up  their  wealth  for  the  19th-century 
man,  he  was  the  possessor  of  a  rich  inheritance.  If 
the  genius  were  a  Spenser,  he  looked  beyond  the 
material  universe,  out  upon  vast  realms  of  the  imagina- 
tion peopled  with  those  airy  nothings  to  which  the 
poet  alone  can  give  a  local  habitation  and  a  name. 


INTRODUCTION.  ix 

And  yet,  the  poet   is,  after  all,  born   into  the  hard, 
actual  world,  — 

.  .  .  the  world 

Of  all  of  us, —  the  place  where  in  the  end, 

We  find  our  happiness,  or  not  at  all ; 

and  he,  like  the  commonest  mortal,  must  grapple  with 
facts,  and  gain  strength  and  insight  through  experience. 
Edmund  Spenser  was  born  in  London  near  the 
Tower,  some  time  between  1549  and  1554.  15^2  is  the 
date  usually  fixed  upon,  and  this  makes  him  six  years 
old  when  Elizabeth  came  to  the  throne.  He  was  evi- 
dently of  good  family,  though  his  parents  must  have 
been  in  moderate  circumstances.  He  was  a  pupil  in 
the  grammar  school  established  by  the  Merchant  Tay- 
lors' Company,  and  when  sixteen  or  seventeen  left 
school  for  the  university  of  Cambridge.  In  1573  he 
became  B.A.,  and  in  1576  left  the  university  with  the 
degree  of  M.A.  His  friendship  with  Gabriel  Harvey, 
a  fellow-student,  had  an  important  influence  upon  his 
future  life,  since  Harvey  introduced  him  to  Sir  Philip 
Sidney,  who  made  him  known  to  his  uncle,  the  Earl  of 
Leicester.  After  a  short  stay  in  the  north  of  England, 
where  he  is  supposed  to  have  wooed  unsuccessfully  a 
certain  fair  Rosalind,  the  poet  settled  in  London.  In 
1579  his  first  printed  book,  the  "Shepherd's  Calendar," 
was  published.  This  production  was  dedicated  to  Sid- 
ney. In  1580  Spenser  went  to  Ireland  as  secretary  to 
Arthur,  Lord  Grey  de  Wilton.  Since  he  was  staying 
at  Lord  Leicester's  house  just  before  this  event,  it  is 
probable  that  he  obtained  the  position  through  Leices- 
ter's influence.  Lord  Grey  was  recalled  in  1582,  and 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

Spenser  returned  to  England  with  him.  In  1586  a 
large  estate  at  Kilcolman,  not  far  from  the  city  of  Cork, 
was  granted  Spenser  by  the  queen  ;  and  it  was  in  his 
new  home  that  he  composed  the  first  three  books  of 
the  Faery  Queene.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  who&e  friend- 
ship he  had  gained  during  his  former  visit  to  Ireland, 
thought  so  highly  of  the  work  that  he  persuaded  Spen- 
ser to  accompany  him  to  England  that  he  might  present 
him  to  the  queen.  Elizabeth  received  the  poet  with 
marked  favor,  and  granted  him  a  pension  of  fifty  pounds 
a  year.  The  three  books  were  published  in  1590  with 
an  explanatory  letter  addressed  to  Raleigh.  In  1591 
a  collection  of  Spenser's  shorter  poems  appeared.  In 
1594  the  poet  married  a  "  countrey  lasse  "  named  Eliz- 
abeth, and  in  honor  of  the  occasion  wrote  his  celebrated 
Epithalamion.  A  second  edition  of  the  first  three  books 
of  the  Faery  Queene  was  printed  in  1 596,  together  with 
the  next  three  books.  Spenser  was  in  London  at  this 
time.  After  his  return  to  Ireland,  in  1598,  the  Tyrone 
Rebellion  broke  out,  and  the  castle  of  Kilcolman  was 
sacked  and  burnt.  The  poet  was  obliged  to  flee  with 
his  family,  and  in  the  hurry  and  confusion  one  of  the 
children  was  left  to  perish  in  the  flames.  Spenser 
managed  to  reach  England,  but  died  three  months  later, 
in  January,  1 599.  His  body  lies  beside  that  of  Chaucer 
in  Westminster  Abbey. 

In  the  ProtJialamion,  written  when  he  was  a  little 
over  forty,  the  poet  speaks  of  his  birthplace  as 

.  .  .  merry  London,  my  most  kindly  nurse, 
That  to  me  gave  this  life's  first  native  source  ; 

and  in  the  same  poem  he  alludes  to 


INTRODUCTION.  xi 

.  .  .  the  shore  of  silver-streaming  Thames  ; 
Whose  rutty  bank,  the  which  his  river  hems, 

Was  painted  all  with  variable  flowers, 
And  all  the  meads  adorned  with  dainty  gems 

Fit  to  deck  maidens'  bowers. 

It  is  interesting  to  picture  Spenser  as  a  boy  in  Lon- 
don—  that  strange  London  of  the  i6th  century,  with 
its  filth  and  its  splendor,  its  Puritanism  and  its  license, 
its  hatred  of  popery  and  its  stanch  loyalty  to  the 
queen,  —  above  all,  with  its  daring  hopes  and  its  world- 
wide interests.  We  see  the  schoolboy  playing  on  the 
t;  rutty  "  banks  of  the  river,  or  dodging  as  he  runs  from 
school  to  avoid  the  frequent  holes  and  the  heaps  of 
filth  that  make  the  streets  anything  but  ways  of  pleas- 
antness. Now  he  gazes  at  the  stuffed  monkeys  and  par- 
rots, the  tomahawks  and  the  Indian  ornaments  exposed 
to  view  in  some  shop.  A  live  red  man  even  may  meet 
his  gaze,  for  Indians  were  occasionally  brought  to  Lon- 
don in  those  days.  We  see  him  listening  breathless  as 
some  returned  mariner  tells  the  knot  of  boys  gathered 
about  him  of  Eldorados  more  wonderful  than  Mexico 
and  Peru,  of  lands  where  the  rivers  run  gold  and  the 
rocks  are  full  of  diamonds.  At  another  time  we  see 
the  future  poet  of  fairy-land  cheering  on  a  street  fight 
or  following  with  the  crowd  that  escorts  an  unfortunate 
victim  to  the  stocks  or  to  the  gallows.  Perhaps  the 
boy's  attention  is  arrested  by  a  passing  courtier,  the 
willing  cynosure  of  admiring  eyes,  fantastically  arrayed 
as  a  Spanish  grandee  or  as  a  French  beau  of  the  period. 
The  plays  given  in  the  court-yards  of  the  inns  are  sure 
to  have  aroused  Spenser's  enthusiasm ;  and  tucked  in 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

among  his  burly  elders  he  doubtless  watched  with  keen 
delight  the  crude  performances  of  the  early  Elizabethan 
stage.  After  the  play  would  come  the  walk  home  in 
the  quick  coming  darkness  of  the  winter  afternoon,  the 
flaring  light  of  the  linkboy's  torch  making  well-known 
objects  strangely  unfamiliar.  But,  above  all,  the  shows! 
—  processions,  pageants,  masks,  mummeries,  morality 
plays  ;  every  kind  of  spectacle  that  could  delight  the 
eyes  of  man  might  be  seen  in  or  near  the  London  of 
Spenser's  day.  The  queen  never  moved  but  in  a  show. 
The  most  trifling  occasion  was  celebrated  by  allegorical 
representations.  The  vices  and  virtues  became  as 
familiar  to  the  sight  as  they  are  in  all  ages  to  the  inner 
consciousness  of  the  people.  The  Mask  of  Cupid  that 
Britomart  witnesses  in  Busirane's  castle  is  only  a  court 
mask  of  Spenser's  time  that  has  found  its  way  into 
fairy-land. 

If  the  imagination  of  the  future  poet  was  fed  by  the 
sights  and  sounds  of  the  city,  it  must  have  been  nour- 
ished by  books  as  well.  Stories  from  every  land  and 
every  age  found  their  way  to  the  printing-presses  of 
London:  Italian  poems,  French  romances,  Spanish  tales, 
and  classical  mythologies.  Spenser  read  of  the  gods 
of  Greece ;  and  in  the  early  red  of  the  morning  he  saw 
Aurora  coming  to  rejoice  the  slumbering  world.  He 
pored  over  Geoffrey  of  Monmouth  and  the  Morte 
d1  Arthur  till  in  the  clouds  of  sunset  he  could  dis- 
tinguish the  shining  spears  and  the  crimson  banners 
of  the  knights  of  the  Round  Table.  With  these 
romantic  tales  were  mingled  Scripture  narratives  ;  and 
back  of  all,  —  a  dark,  deep  undercurrent,  —  whispers 


INTRODUCTION.  xiii 

of  popish  plots  and  stories  of  Spanish  cruelty.  It  is 
no  wonder  that  the  Faery  Queene  is  at  the  first  glance 
a  strange  medley ;  that  Christian  knights  and  fair  ladies 
as  they  wander  in  Spenser's  fairy-land  meet  with  sor- 
cerers and  dragons,  with  Saracens  and  Amazons;  while 
the  vices  and  virtues  personified  live  on  terms  of  inti- 
macy with  the  thinly  disguised  characters  of  the  poet's 
own  time. 

Little  is  known  of  Spenser's  life  at  Cambridge.  It 
is  known,  however,  that  the  university  was  at  that  time 
represented  to  the  authorities  in  London  as  being  in  a 
state  of  dangerous  excitement.  Religious  controversies 
were  rife,  and  the  more  subtle  doctrines  of  the  various 
Puritanical  sects  were  eagerly  discussed.  Gabriel  Har- 
vey, Spenser's  college  friend,  in  a  letter  written  to  the 
poet  a  short  time  after  the  latter  had  left  Cambridge, 
says  :  "  Every  day  spawns  new  opinions  :  heresy  in 
divinity,  in  philosophy,  in  humanity,  in  manners, 
grounded  upon  hearsay ;  doctors  contemn'd  ;  the  devil 
not  so  hated  as  the/0/,?;  many  invectives  but  no  amend- 
ment." However,  in  spite  of  the  prevailing  interest  in 
religious  controversies,  the  poet  must  have  found  at  the 
university  much  that  would  tend  to  develop,  the  intel- 
lectual side  of  his  nature  ;  and  if  he  was,  as  some  main- 
tain, the  most  learned  of  the  English  poets  after  Milton 
(Gray  should  come  first,  probably),  he  owed  much  of  his 
knowledge  to  the  opportunities  enjoyed  at  Cambridge. 
Certainly  he  possessed  more  than  a  cursory  knowledge 
of  Plato  and  Aristotle,  and  his  acquaintance  with  the 
literatures  of  Greece,  Rome,  and  Italy  was  wide  if  not 
accurate.  In  the  poets  and  chroniclers  of  his  own  tongue 


xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

he  was  deeply  read,  and  Chaucer  was  his  master,  beloved 
and  imitated.  In  addition  to  his  intellectual  gains, 
Spenser,  while  at  the  university,  made  friends  whose 
sympathy  and  interest  were  a  constant  encouragement 
and  stimulus. 

A  few  years  after  leaving  Cambridge  the  poet  counted 
among  his  friends  not  only  Edward  Kirk  and  Gabriel 
Harvey,  university  men,  but  also  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  Sir 
Walter  Raleigh,  and  Lord  Grey;  while  Lord  Leicester 
and  Queen  Elizabeth  herself  were  among  his  patrons. 
It  is  important  to  consider  his  relations  with  the  aris- 
tocracy, since  these  relations  must  have  broadened  his 
outlook  and  have  added  to  his  knowledge  of  men  and 
of  affairs;  while  the  atmosphere  of  the  court  which  sur- 
rounded him  for  short  intervals  several  times  during  the 
course  of  his  life  doubtless  quickened  his  perceptions 
and  refined  his  tastes.  In  Sidney,  Raleigh,  and  Grey 
he  saw  living  examples  of  the  knightly  heroes  whose 
valor  and  generosity  had  filled  his  boyish  soul  with 
admiration ;  and  in  the  brilliant  spectacles  at  court  and 
at  Lord  Leicester's  house  he  witnessed  scenes  that 
needed  only  the  transmuting  touch  of  genius  to  become 
worthy  of  fairy-land  itself.  The  rapid  development  of 
his  powers  was  doubtless  due  in  part  to  his  association 
with  these  cultivated  men  of  the  court  and  to  the  knowl- 
edge that  their  warm  appreciation  was  sure  to  greet  his 
best  efforts.  But  if  Spenser  saw  and  profited  by  the 
better  side  of  court  life,  he  was  not  blind  to  the  baser 
elements  that  went  to  make  up  that  brilliant  society. 
The  following  lines  are  from  his  poem,  Colin  Clout 's 
Come  Home  Again : 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

For,  sooth  to  say,  it  is  no  sort  of  life, 

For  shepherd  fit  to  lead  in  that  same  place, 

Where  each  one  seeks  with  malice,  and  with  strife, 
To  thrust  down  other  into  foul  disgrace, 

Himself  to  raise  :  and  he  doth  soonest  rise 
That  best  can  handle  his  deceitful  wit 

In  subtle  shifts,  and  finest  sleights  devise. 

In  his  satire,  Prosopopoia,  or  Mother  Hubbard's  Tale, 
Spenser  makes  us  aware  that  his  experience  at  court 
was  not  altogether  a  happy  one  : 

Most  miserable  man,  whom  wicked  fate 
Hath  brought  to  Court,  to  sue  for  had  ywist,1 

That  few  have  found,  and  many  one  hath  missed  ! 

Full  little  knowest  thou,  that  hast  not  tried, 

What  hell  it  is  in  suing  long  to  bide  : 

To  lose  good  days,  that  might  be  better  spent ; 

To  waste  long  nights  in  pensive  discontent ; 

To  speed  to-day,  to  be  put  back  to-morrow  ; 

To  feed  on  hope,  to  pine  with  fear  and  sorrow  ; 

To  have  thy  Princes'  grace,  yet  want  her  Peers'; 

To  have  thy  asking,  yet  wait  many  years  ; 

To  fret  thy  soul  with  crosses  and  with  cares  ; 

To  eat  thy  heart  through  comfortless  despairs  ; 

To  fawn,  to  crouch,  to  wait,  to  ride,  to  run, 

To  spend,  to  give,  to  want,  to  be  undone. 

Unhappy  wight,  born  to  disastrous  end, 

That  doth  his  life  in  so  long  tendance  spend. 

The  years  spent  in  Ireland  —  except  for  short  visits  to 
London,  the  last  eighteen  years  of  his  life  —  must  have 
seemed  to  the  poet  a  period  of  exile.  Taking  into  con- 
sideration the  difficulty  of  communication  in  his  time, 
he  was  doubtless  farther  from  London,  for  him  the  cen- 

1  Had  ywist,  had  I  known  ;  that  is,  vain  regret. 


XVI 


INTR  OD  UC  TION. 


tre  of  the  social  and  intellectual  world,  than  is  to-day 
the  Englishman  living  in  New  Zealand.  Ireland  in  the 
1 6th  century  was  peopled  by  barbarous,  turbulent  peo- 
ple —  Catholics  for  the  most  part  —  who  were,  for  suf- 
ficiently good  reasons,  bitterly  opposed  to  English  rule. 
Spenser  speaks  of  the  "  good  Lord  Grey,"  whom  he 
portrays  in  the  Faery  Queene  as  Artegall,  the  knight  of 
Justice,  as  "  most  gentle,  affable,  loving,  and  temper,- 
ate  ;  always  known  to  be  a  most  just,  sincere,  godly, 
and  right  noble  man,  far  from  sternness,  far  from 
unrighteousness";  and  yet,  he  admits  that  the  Lord- 
Deputy  left  a  terrible  name  behind  him  in  Ireland. 
Church  1  says  of  Spenser's  patron  :  "  He  was  certainly 
a  man  of  severe  and  unshrinking  sense  of  duty,  and 
like  many  great  Englishmen  of  the  time,  so  resolute  in 
carrying  it  out  to  the  end,  that  it  reached,  when  he 
thought  it  necessary,  to  the  point  of  ferocity."  Were 
Spenser  merely  the  gentle  dreamer  that  some  critics 
conceive  him  to  be,  he  would,  while  with  Lord  Grey, 
have  shut  his  eyes  so  far  as  he  could  to  the  barbarous 
scenes  of  English  rule  (or  misrule),  and  have  taken 
refuge  in  the  more  attractive  world  of  the  imagination. 
Instead  of  this,  we  find  him  some  years  later  writing 
his  "  View  of  the  Present  State  of  Ireland,"  in  which 
he  proposes  a  plan  for  the  reformation  of  the  rebellious 
island.  Like  our  greatest  English  writers,  —  Shakes- 
peare, Milton,  and  Chaucer,  —  Spenser  was,  notwith- 
standing his  poetic  genius,  a  practical,  clear-headed  Eng- 
lishman, with  enough  of  hardness  to  enable  him  to  hold 
his  own  among  the  ruling  spirits  of  a  turbulent  age. 

1  Spenser,  by  R.  W.  Church,  in  the  English  Men  of  Letters  Series. 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

Kilcolman,  Spenser's  home,  was  near  the  hill  of 
Aharlo,  a  great  fastness  in  the  Desmond  Rebellion, 
and  to  the  north  stretched  a  wild  country,  half  forest, 
half  bog.  Here,  except  for  short  visits  to  London,  the 
poet  lived  in  retirement.  He  did,  it  is  true,  make  occa- 
sional trips  to  Dublin,  where  he  had  a  small  circle  of 
English  friends  who  sympathized  to  a  certain  degree 
with  his  literary  tastes.  Painful  as  this  banishment 
may  have  been  for  the  man  Spenser,  the  poet  could 
hardly  have  found  a  place  better  calculated  to  develop 
his  peculiar  genius.  A  painter  of  contemporary  man- 
ners like  Pope  would  have  suffered  intellectual  starva- 
tion amid  these  hills  and  bogs  ;  but  the  man  who  was 
to  create  the  fairy-land  of  Gloriana  and  then  lose  him- 
self in  its  interminable  mazes  needed  to  be  where  out- 
ward things  would  not  distract  his  mind.  Bunyan  wrote 
his  allegory  in  Bedford  jail;  Milton  saw  the  wonders  of 
heaven  and  hell  after  his  eyes  were  closed  to  the  actual 
world;  and  Spenser,  forgetting  the  loneliness  of  his 
position,  could  transform  the  scenes  of  violence  and  dis- 
order, whose  echoes  reached  him,  into  glorious  knightly 
achievements,  and  could  people  the  wild  solitudes  of 
Kilcolman  with  the  varied  creations  of  his  fertile  imag- 
ination. Speaking  of  the  Faery  Queenc,  Church  says  : 
"  The  realities  of  the  Irish  wars  and  of  Irish  social  and 
political  life  gave  a  real  subject,  gave  body  and  form  to 
the  allegory.  .  .  .  There  in  visible  fact  were  the  vices 
and  falsehoods  which  Arthur  and  his  companions  were 
to  quell  and  punish.  .  .  .  The  allegory  bodies  forth  the 
life  of  man  in  all  conditions  and  at  all  times.  But 
Spenser  could  never  have  seen  in  England  such  a  strong 


XV111 


INTRO  D  UCTION. 


and  perfect  image  of  the  allegory  itself  —  with  the  wild 
wanderings  of  its  personages,  its  daily  chances  of  battle 
and  danger,  its  hairbreadth  escapes,  its  strange  encoun- 
ters, its  prevailing  anarchy  and  violence,  its  normal 
absence  of  law  and  order  —  as  he  had  continually  and 
customarily  before  him  in  Ireland." 

While  we  learn  from  the  biographies  of  Spenser  a 
good  deal  about  the  circumstances  of  the  poet's  life,  we 
find  in  them  little  regarding  his  personal  character. 
We  know  that  he  had  the  artist's  feeling  for  beauty 
and  that  he  was  a  seeker  after  the  ideal.  We  know, 
too,  that  he  loved  his  country  and  admired  his  queen,— 
for  we  cannot  consider  his  extravagant  expressions  in 
regard  to  Elizabeth  as  mere  adulation,  —  and  that  he 
felt  the  most  cordial  hatred  for  the  pope,  the  Spaniard, 
and  all  whom  he  looked  upon  as  England's  enemies. 
From  the  Epithalamion  we  infer  that  he  was  able  to 
invest  those  dearest  to  him  with  something  of  that  ideal 
beauty  which  was  always  seeking  expression  in  his 
writings.  Perhaps,  however,  the  most  admirable  trait 
that  has  been  preserved  for  us  is  his  chivalric  constancy 
in  friendship.  Living  as  he  did  in  an  age  of  patronage, 
an  age  in  which  the  struggling  genius  must  look  to 
those  high  in  rank  for  the  means  that  should  enable 
him  to  prosecute  his  work,  Spenser  might  easily,  in  the 
struggle  for  existence,  have  forgotten  to  be  grateful. 
Eager  for  his  own  advancement,  he  might  have  sought 
always  the  favor  of  those  whose  smiles  would  insure 
success.  This  was  not  the  case  with  the  poet.  Although 
his  friend  and  patron,  Lord  Grey  de  Wilton,  was  recalled 
from  Ireland  to  England  and  censured  by  the  home  gov- 


INTRODUCTION.  .  xix 

ernment  for  his  unsuccessful  though  strenuous  efforts 
at  ruling  the  turbulent  island  that  had  been  placed 
under  his  control,  Spenser,  in  his  View  of  the  Present 
State  of  Ireland,  heartily  commended  the  administration 
of  the  Lord-Deputy.  Besides,  he  introduced  him  into 
the  Faery  Queene  as  Artegall,  the  knight  of  Justice. 
Earlier  in  his  career,  when  writing  the  Shepherd's  Cal- 
endar, the  poet  chose  as  the  pattern  of  a  true  Christian 
pastor  his  former  patron,  Archbishop  Grindal,  —  whom 
he  denominated  Algrind, — although  at  that  very  time 
the  bishop  was  suffering  under  the  displeasure  of  the 
court.  One  familiar  with  the  jealousies  and  intrigues 
of  Elizabeth's  court  will  realize  that  the  course  pursued 
by  Spenser  in  the  instances  referred  to  gives  evidence 
not  only  of  constancy  in  friendship  but  of  high  moral 
courage  as  well. 

Besides  the  Faery  Queene,  Spenser  wrote :  the  Shep- 
herd 's  Calendar,  a  collection  of  pastoral  poems,  one  for 
each  month  in  the  year;  Prosopopoia,  or  Mother  Hub- 
bard's  Tale,  a  satirical  fable;  Colin  Clout's  Come  Home 
Again,  a  fanciful  account  of  the  poet's  trip  to  England 
with  Raleigh  and  of  his  presentation  to  the  queen  ; 
AstropJiel,  a  Pastoral  Elegy  upon  the  Death  of  the  most 
Noble  and  Valorous  Knight,  Sir  Philip  Sidney ;  Pro- 
thalamion,  or  a  Spousal  Verse ;  EpitJialamion,  a  poem 
celebrating  the  poet's  own  marriage  ;  four  Hymns  in 
honor  of  Love,  Beauty,  Heavenly  Love,  and  Heavenly 
Beauty ;  and  numerous  other  poems,  among  them  a 
large  number  of  sonnets.  In  addition  to  these  poetical 
works,  he  left  behind  him  the  prose  treatise,  View  of 
the  Present  State  of  Ireland,  and  several  letters. 


XX     •  INTRODUCTION. 

The  poet  who  can  write  interesting  narratives,  keen 
satires,  fanciful  allegories,  and  lyrics  of  marvellous 
beauty  is  certainly  not  a  one-sided  genius.  At  the 
same  time  Spenser  has,  with  the  exception  of  Britomart, 
created  no  living  character;  and  on  occasions  Britomart, 
even,  becomes  shadowy,  unsubstantial.  The  author  of 
the  Faery  Queene  lacks  dramatic  power  and  is  wanting 
also  in  the  constructive  ability  that  goes  to  the  making 
of  great  epics!  He  isTtoo,  devoid  of  passion,  unless  an 
absorbing  love  for  the  good  and  the  beautiful  may  be 
counted  as  passion.  Not  once  in  all  his  poems  does  he, 
like  Shakespeare,  touch  those  chords  that  awaken  an  echo 
in  the  deepest  recesses  of  the  human  heart  ;  nor  does 
he,  like  Wordsworth,  find  a  new  and  hidden  beauty  in 
the  "  meanest  flower  that  blows."  And  yet  Milton  calls 
him  "a  better  teacher  than  Scotus  or  Aquinas,"  and 
Wordsworth  in  his  Prelude  says  : 

And  that  gentle  Bard, 

Chosen  by  the  muses  for  their  page  of  State, 
Sweet  Spenser,  moving  through  his  clouded  heaven 
With  the  moon's  beauty  and  the  moon's  soft  pace, 
I  called  him  Brother,  Englishman,  and  Friend. 

Brother  and  friend  he  has  in  truth  been  to  his  fellow- 
craftsmen  from  his  own  time  to  ours,  —  and  master 
as  well.  His  title,  "the  poets'  poet,"  is  no  empty 
phrase.  When  he  began  to  write  England  had  for  a 
hundred  and  fifty  years  been  without  a  great  poet. 
Chaucer  with  his  archaic  forms  could  no  longer  serve 
as  teacher  and  inspirer,  and  the  verse-makers,  lacking 
an  English  model,  looked  to  Italy  for  instruction  in 


INTRODUCTION.  xxi 

their  art.  Spenser  revealed  to  his  contemporaries  the 
capacities  of  the  English  tongue.  A  master  of  poetic 
form,  and  sensitive  to  the  subtlest  harmonies  of  lan- 
guage, he  taught  the  writers  of  the  i6th  century  how 
to  use  the  resources  at  their  command  ;  and  echoes  of 
his  melodious  phrases  may  be  detected  in  some  of  the 
latest  productions  of  English  literature.  The  Spenserian 
stanza  —  the  stanza  of  the  Faery  Queene  —  still  remains 
one  of  the  chief  forms  of  English  verse.  However,  it 
is  not  simply  because  of  his  artistic  qualities  that 
Spenser  has  exercised  an  important  influence  upon 
the  development  of  English  poetry.  His  characteristic 
charm  lies  in  the  fact  that  better  than  any  other  poet 
of  his  nation  he  knows  how  to  communicate  to  his 
readers  the  joy  that  comes  from  the  contemplation  of 
ideal  beauty.  His  poetry,  it  is  true,  does  not  cause 
that  ecstatic  thrill  which  is  akin  to  pain;  rather  it  gives 
a  calm  and  serene  happiness,  the  result  of  long  com- 
panionship with  what  is  pure  and  high.  "  The  noblest 
mind  the  best  contentment  has,"  Spenser  tells  us.  In 
the  Faery  Queene  life  is  represented  as  a  conflict  in 
which  the  good  are  often  hard  pressed.  Still,  we  are 
not  troubled;  for  the  eternal  forces  are  at  work  and  the 
victory  is  sure.  As  we  read,  the  sense  of  earthly  limi- 
tations passes  away,  and  we  find  ourselves  in  a  new 
world  where  we  gladly  linger,  charmed  and  detained  by 
the  long  swell  of  the  Spenserian  stanza.  Lowell  has 
called  this  world,  "  the  land  of  pure  heart's  'ease,  where 
nq  ache  or  sorrow  of  spirit  can  enter." 

I  Spenser  is,  as  we  have  seen,  peculiarly  the  represent- 
ative of  his  own  age  in  its  higher  aspects.     As  in  the 


xxii  INTRODUCTION. 

more  realistic  of  the  Elizabethan  dramatists  we  see 
pictured  the  actual  life  of  the  time,  so  in  Spenser  we 
find  the  beliefs,  the  dreams,  the  ideals  of  his  contempo- 
raries. The  cultivated  men  of  his  day  read  Plato  and 
Aristotle,  and  enjoyed  Homer,  Virgil,  Boccaccio,  and 
Ariosto ;  and  we  find  reproduced  in  Spenser's  poems 
the  thoughts  and  images  of  these  writers.  Their  own 
past  had  likewise  its  charm  for  the  men  of  Elizabeth's 
court  ;  and  Spenser,  an  avowed  disciple  of  Chaucer, 
steeped  himself  in  old  chronicles  and  romances,  and 
found  an  irresistible  attraction  in  the  forms  of  a  rapidly 
decaying  feudalism.  Spenser  is  the  poet  of  the  Renais- 
sance with  its  love  of  learning,  its  feeling  for  the  artistic 
in  form  and  color,  its  new  delight  in  life,  its  faith  in 
the  possibilities  of  human  achievement.  At  the  same 
time  he  never  forgets  that  life  is  a  struggle ;  and  under- 

Ineath  his  most  glowing  pictures  may  be  found  the  noble 
aims  and  the  high  ideals  of  the  Puritan.  As  we  read 
his  poetry,  the  past,  touched  with  a  glory  not  its  own, 
lives  once  more  in  our  imagination  ;  and  we  gain  the 
culture  that  comes  through  sympathy  with  interests 
remote  from  those  of  to-day.  Our  ears,  trained  by  a 
skilled  musician,  learn  to  trace  with  delight  the  hitherto 
unsuspected  harmonies  of  the  great  masters  of  verse. 
But  more  than  this  is  won  if  the  poet  accomplishes  his 
purpose  ;  for  in  his  letter  to  Raleigh  he  says,  speaking 
of  the  Faery  Queene :  "The  generall  end,  therefore,  of 
all  the  booke  is  to  fashion  a  gentleman  or  noble  person 
in  vertuous  and  gentle  discipline";  and  surely  we  must 
gain  in  virtue  and  in  magnanimity  if  we  associate  with 
the  generous  and  noble  spirit  of  Spenser. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxiii 

In  his  letter  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  (which  follows 
this  chapter),  Spenser  tells  the  purpose  and  the  plan  of 
the  Faery  Queene.  The  plan,  however,  was  never  car- 
ried out ;  for  but  six  of  the  twelve  books  proposed,  and 
fragments  of  a  seventh,  were  given  to  the  world.  Of 
these  books,  the  first  "containing  the  Legend  of  the 
Knight  of  the  Red  Cross,  or  of  Holiness,"  is  the  most 
perfect  in  form,  and  as  a  narrative  the  most  complete. 
The  interest,  however,  depends  largely  upon  the  alle- 
gory underlying  the  poem.  The  second  book,  which 
contains  "The  Legend  of  Sir  Guyon,  or  of  Temperance," 
though  less  artistic  than  the  first,  has  passages  of  sur- 
passing beauty  and  possesses  some  interest  as  a  narra- 
tive. In  both  these  books,  however,  the  characters  are 
abstractions.  The  third  book,  "containing  the  Legend 
of  Britomartis,  or  of  Chastity,"  introduces  a  clearly 
defined  character;  for  Britomart,  while  she  represents 
an  abstract  quality,  is  herself  a  woman  with  the  graces 
and  the  failings  of  her  sex.  Indeed,  as  he  sees  her 
searching  for  her  unknown  lover,  accompanied  by  the 
gentle  Amoret,  the  reader  cannot  fail  to  be  reminded  of 
Shakespeare's  Rosalind  and  her  faithful  cousin,  Celia. 
The  story  of  Britomart's  adventures  is  continued 
through  the  fourth  book,  containing  the  "  Legend  of 
Cambel  and  Triamond,  or  of  Friendship,"  and  the  fifth 
which  contains  the  "Legend  of  Artegall,  or  of  Justice." 
In  reading  the  three  books,  however,  it  is  difficult  to 
keep  Britomart  in  view,  so  numerous  are  the  characters 
introduced  and  so  confusing  the  account  of  their  adven- 
tures. Of  course  the  careful  student  of  Spenser  will 
read  the  entire  Faery  Queene,  will  trace  the  underlying 


xxiv  INTR  OD  UC  TION. 

allegories,  will  seek  the  sources  from  which  the  poet 
derived  many  of  his  ideas  and  images,  and  will  look  up 
allusions  to  the  events  and  the  personages  of  the  time. 
The  general  student  of  English  literature,  however, 
may  find  in  the  narrative  here  presented  a  production 
especially  calculated  to  arouse  his  interest  and  to  stim- 
ulate him  to  the  further  study  of  trie  poet.  The  poem 
has  a  peculiar  value  in  connection  with  the  study  of  the 
institutions  of  Chivalry;  and  on  this  account  it  may  be 
classed  with  Chaucer's  Knightes  Tale,  with  Scott's 
romantic  poems,  and  with  Tennyson's  Idylls  of  tJie 
King. 

The  stanza  employed  in  the  Faery  Queene  should  be 
carefully  examined.  While  it  is  said  to  be  a  modifica- 
tion of  the  Italian  "ottava  rima,"  it  differs  sufficiently 
from  the  Italian  stanza  to  be  considered  Spenser's  own 
creation.  It  will  be  noticed  that  the  first  eight  lines 
consist  each  of  five,  and  the  ninth  line  of  six  iambic 
feet ;  and  it  will  be  observed  that  irregularities  in  metre 
are  occasionally  introduced  for  the  sake  of  emphasis,  or 
to  break  the  monotony  of  the  rythm.  Mr.  Corson  in 
his  Primer  of  English  Verse  has  an  excellent  article  on 
the  Spenserian  stanza. 

Some  attention  should  be  paid  to  Spenser's  peculiar 
use  of  language.  He  was  for  some  reason  attracted  by 
the  older  rather  than  the  newer  forms  of  his  day. 
Such  old  forms  as  ydrad  for  dreaded,  yclad  for  clad,  and 
yold  for  yielded  occur  frequently;  he  uses  ne  with  not 
—the  double  negative  ;  while  old  words  not  to  be  found 
in  Shakespeare  and  other  writers  only  a  few  years 
younger  than  himself,  are  at  times  employed  by  him. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV 

It  is  said  that  his  vocabulary,  notwithstanding  his  occa- 
sional use  of  foreign  idioms,  is  more  Germanic  than 
that  of  any  other  great  English  poet.  It  must  be  con- 
fessed that  he  sometimes  uses  language  arbitrarily, 
twisting  the  meaning  of  a  word,  or  altering  the  form 
or  the  accent  to  suit  his  artistic  purposes.  For  this 
reason  the  philologist  looks  a  little  askance  at  his 
productions. 

The  student  will  do  well  to  consult  Mr.  Frederic  I. 
Carpenter's  Outline  Guide  to  the  Study  of  Spenser, 
where  he  will  find  lists  of  books  that  may  be  used  with 
advantage.  The  following  works  will  be  found  useful  : 
complete  works  of  Spenser  edited  by  Grosart  ;  the 
Globe  edition  of  Spenser  edited  by  Morris,  with  a 
memoir  by  Hales;  Professor  Child's  edition  of  Spenser's 
poems  ;  Books  I  and  II  of  the  Faery  Queene  edited  by 
Kitchin  ;  Book  I  of  the  Faery  Queene  edited  by  Per- 
cival  ;  Selections  from  Spenser  by  Professor  Gummere, 
in  the  Athenaeum  Press  series  (announced)  ;  Spenser 
by  R.  W.  Church,  in  the  English  Men  of  Letters  series  ; 
Green's  History  of  the  English  People ;  Taine's  History 
of  English  Literature;  Brooke's  Primer  of  English 
Literature ;  Corson's  Primer  of  English  Verse ;  Dow- 
den's  Transcripts  and  Studies ;  Craik's  Spenser  and 
His  Poetry  ;  and  Lowell's  Among  My  Books,  2d  series 
(Vol.  IV  of  the  Riverside  edition  of  his  writings). 


xxvi  INTRODUCTION. 


A  LETTER  of  the  Authors  expounding  his  whole  inten- 
tion in  the  course  of  this  worke l  ;  which,  for  that  it 
giveth  great  light  to  the  reader,  for  the  better  under- 
standing is  hereunto  annexed. 

To  THE  RIGHT  NOBLE  AND  VALOROUS 

SIR   WALTER   RALEIGH,    KNIGHT, 

Lo :   Wardein  of  the  Stanneries?  and  her  majesties  lieutenaunt 

of  the  countie  of  Cornetuayll. 
SIR, 

Knowing  how  doubtfully  all  Allegories  may  be  construed, 
and  this  booke  of  mine,  which  I  have  entituled  The  Faery 
Queene,  being  a  continued  Allegoric,  or  darke  conceit,3  I 
have  thought  good,  as  well  for  avoyding  of  jealous4  opinions 
and  misconstructions,  as  also  for  your  better  light  in  read- 
ing thereof,  (being  so,  by  you  commanded)  to  discover  unto 
you  the  generall  intention  and  meaning,  which  in  the  whole 
course  thereof  I  have  fashioned,  without  expressing  of  any 
particular  purposes,  or  by-accidents  therein  occasioned. 
The  generall  end  therefore  of  all  the  booke,  is  to  fashion  a 
gentleman  or  noble  person  in  vertuous  and  gentle  discipline. 
Which  for  that  I  conceived  shoulde  be  most  plausible  and 
pleasing,  beeing  coloured  with  an  historicall  fiction,  the 

1  This  worke.     The  letter  served  as  an  introduction  to  the  first  three 
books  of  the  Faery  Queene. 

2  Stanneries,  stannaries,  tin  mines  or  tin  works. 

8  Darke  conceit,  mysterious  or  obscure  conception  or  design. 
4  Jealous,  suspicious. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxvii 

which  the  most  part  of  men  delight  to  read,  rather  for  vari- 
etie  of  matter  than  for  profit  of  the  ensample  :  I  chose  the 
historic  of  king  Arthure,  as  most  fit  for  the  excellencie  of 
his  person,  beeing  made  famous  by  many  mens  former 
workes,  and  also  furthest  from  the  danger  of  envie,1  and 
suspicion  of  present  time.  In  which  I  have  followed  all  the 
antique  poets  historicall:  first  Homer,  who  in  the  persons  of 
Agamemnon  and  Ulysses  hath  ensampled2  a  good  governour 
and  a  vertuous  man,  the  one  in  his  Ilias,  the  other  in  his 
Odysseis  :  then  Virgil,  whose  like  intention  was  to  doe  in 
the  person  of  ^Eneas:  after  him  Ariosto  comprised  them  both 
in  his  Orlando  :  and  lately  Tasso  dissevered  them  againe, 
and  formed  both  parts  in  two  persons,  namely,  that  part 
which  they  in  philosophy  call  Ethice,  or  vertues  of  a  private 
man,  coloured  in  his  Rinaldo  :  the  other  named  Politice,  in 
his  Godfredo.  By  ensample  of  which  excellent  Poets,  I 
laboure  to  pourtraict  in  Arthure,  before  he  was  king,  the 
image  of  a  brave  knight,  perfected  in  the  twelve  private 
morall  vertues,  as  Aristotle  hath  devised  :  which  if  I  find  to 
be  well  accepted,  I  may  be  perhaps  encoraged  to  frame 
the  other  part  of  pollitike  vertues  in  his  person,  after  he 
came  to  bee  king. 

To  some  I  know  this  Methode  will  seem  displeasant, 
which  had  rather  have  good  discipline  delivered  plainly  in 
way  of  precepts,  or  sermoned  at  large,  as  they  use,  then3 
thus  clowdily  enwrapped  in  Allegoricall  devises.  But  such, 
mee  seeme,  should  be  satisfied  with  the  use  of  these  dayes, 
seeing  all  things  accounted  by  their  showes,  and  nothing 
esteemed  of,  that  is  not  delightfull  and  pleasing  to  common 
sense.  For  this  cause  is  Xenophon  preferred  before  Plato, 
for  that  the  one,  in  the  exquisite  depth  of  his  judgement, 

1  Envie,  ill  will,  hatred. 

2  Ensampled,  given  an  example  of. 
8  Then,  than. 


xxviii  INTRODUCTION. 

formed  a  Commune-wealth,  such  as  it  should  be  ;  but  the 
other,  in  the  person  of  Cyrus  and  the  Persians,  fashioned  a 
government,  such  as  might  best  be:  So  much  more  profitable 
and  gracious  is  doctrine  by  ensample  then  by  rule.  So  have 
I  laboured  to  do  in  the  person  of  Arthure  :  whom  I  conceive, 
after  his  long  education  by  Timon  (to  whom  he  was  by  Mer- 
lin delivered  to  be  brought  up,  so  soone  as  he  was  borne  of 
the  Lady  Igrayne)  to  have  seen  in  a  dreame  or  vision  the 
Faerie  Queene,  with  whose  excellent  beautie  ravished,  hee 
awaking,  resolved  to  seek  her  out :  and  so,  being  by  Merlin 
armed,  and  by  Timon  throughly  instructed,  he  went  to  seeke 
her  forth  in  Faery  land.  In  that  Faery  Queene  I  mean 
Glory  in  my  generall  intention  :  but  in  my  particular  I  con- 
ceive the  most  excellent  and  glorious  person  of  our  sover- 
aine  the  Queene,  and  her  kingdome  in  Faery  land.  And 
yet,  in  some  places  else,  I  doe  otherwise  shadow 1  her.  For 
considering  shee  beareth  two  persons,  the  one  of  a  most 
royall  Queene  or  Empresse,  the  other  of  a  most  vertuous 
and  beautifull  lady,  this  latter  part  in  some  places  I  doe 
expresse  in  Belphoebe,  fashioning  her  name  according  to 
your  owne  excellent  conceipt  of  Cynthia,2  (Phoebe  and  Cyn- 
thia being  both  names  of  Diana.)  So  in  the  person  of  Prince 
Arthure  I  sette  forth  magnificence  in  particular,  which  ver- 
tue,  for  that  (according  to  Aristotle  and  the  rest)  it  is  the" 
perfection  of  all  the  rest,  and  containeth  in  it  them  all,  there- 
fore in  the  whole  course  I  mention  the  deeds  of  Arthure 
appliable  to  the  vertue,  which  I  write  of  in  that  booke.  But 
of  the  twelve  other  vertues  I  make  XII  other  knights  the 
patrons,  for  the  more  varietie  of  the  historic :  Of  which 
these  three  bookes  containe  three.  The  first,  of  the  Knight 
of  the  Red  crosse,  in  whom  I  expresse  Holinesse :  the  sec- 
ond of  Sir  Guyon,  in  whome  I  set  foorth  Temperance  :  the 

1  Shadow,  represent  typically. 

2  Cynthia,  an  allusion  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh's  poem  "  Cynthia." 


INTRODUCTION.  xxix 

third  of  Britomartis,  a  Lady  knight,  in  whom  I  picture  Chas- 
titie.  But  because  the  beginning  of  the  whole  worke  seem- 
eth  abrupt  and  as  depending  upon  other  antecedents,  it  needs 
that  yee  know  the  occasion  of  these  three  knights  severall 
adventures.  For  the  Methode  of  a  Poet  historicall  is  not 
such  as  of  an  Historiographer.  For  an  Historiographer  dis- 
coursed! of  affaires  orderly  as  they  were  done,  accounting  as 
well  the  times  as  the  actions  ;  but  a  Poet  thrusteth  into  the 
middest,  even  where  it  most  concerneth  him,  and  there 
recoursing  to  the  things  forepast,  and  divining  of  things  to 
come,  maketh  a  pleasing  analysis  of  all.  The  beginning 
therefore  of  my  historic,  if  it  were  to  be  told  by  an  Histori- 
ographer, should  be  the  twelfth  booke,  which  is  the  last ; 
where  I  devise  that  the  Faery  Queene  kept  her  annuall  feast 
twelve  daies  ;  uppon  which  twelve  severall  dayes,  the  occa- 
sions of  the  twelve  severall  adventures  hapned,  which  being 
undertaken  by  XII  severall  knights,  are  in  these  twelve 
books  severally  handled  and  discoursed. 

The  first  was  this.  In  the  beginning  of  the  feast,  there 
presented  him  selfe  a  tall  clownish  younge  man,  who  falling 
before  the  Queene  of  Faeries  desired  a  boone  (as  the  man- 
ner then  was)  which  during  that  feast  she  might  not  refuse  : 
which  was  that  hee  might  have  the  atchievement  of  any 
adventure,  which  during  that  feast  should  happen  ;  that 
being  granted,  he  rested  him  selfe  on  the  floore,  unfit  through 
his  rusticitie  for  a  better  place.  Soone  after  entred  a  faire 
Ladie  in  mourning  weedes,1  riding  on  a  white  Asse,  with  a 
dwarfe  behind  her  leading  a  warlike  steed,  that  bore  the 
Armes  of  a  knight,  and  his  speare  in  the  dwarf es  hand. 
She  falling  before  the  Queene  of  Faeries,  complayned  that 
her  father  and  mother,  an  ancient  King  and  Queene,  had 
bene  by  an  huge  dragon  many  yeers  shut  up  in  a  brazen 
Castle,  who  thence  suffered  them  not  to  issew  :  and  therefore 

1  Weedes,  garments. 


xxx  INTRODUCTION. 

besought  the  Faery  Queene  to  assigne  her  some  one  of  her 
knights  to  take  on  him  that  exployt.  Presently l  that  clown- 
ish person  upstarting,  desired  that  adventure  ;  whereat  the 
Queene  much  wondering,  and  the  Lady  much  gaine-saying, 
yet  he  earnestly  importuned  his  desire.  In  -the  end  the 
Lady  told  him,  that  unlesse  that  armour  which  she  brought 
would  serve  him  (that  is,  the  armour  of  a  Christian  man 
specified  by  Saint  Paul,  V.  Ephes.)  that  he  could  not  suc- 
ceed in  that  enterprise  :  which  being  forth  with  put  upon  him 
with  due  furnitures  thereunto,  he  seemed  the  goodliest  man 
in  al  that  company,  and  was  well  liked  of  the  Lady.  And 
eftesoones2  taking  on  him  knighthood,  and  mounting  on  that 
straunge  Courser,  he  went  forth  with  her  on  that  adventure  : 
where  beginneth  the  first  booke,  viz. 

A  gentle  knight  was  pricking  on  the  playne,  etc. 

The  second  day  there  came  in  a  Palmer  bearing  an  Infant 
with  bloody  hands,  whose  Parents  he  complained  to  have 
bene  slaine  by  an  enchauntresse  called  Acrasia :  and  there- 
fore craved  of  the  Faery  Queene,  to  appoint  him  some  knight 
to  performe  that  adventure,  which  being  assigned  to  Sir 
Guyon,  he  presently  went  foorth  with  the  same  Palmer: 
which  is  the  beginning  of  the  second  booke  and  the  whole 
subject  thereof.  The  third  day  there  came  in  a  Groome,3 
who  complained  before  the  Faery  Queene,  that  a  vile 
Enchaunter,  called  Busirane,  had  in  hand  a  most  faire  Lady, 
called  Amoretta,  whom  he  kept  in  most  grevious  torment. 
Whereupon  Sir  Scudamour,  the  lover  of  that  Lady,  presently 
tooke  on  him  that  adventure.  But  beeing  unable  to  per- 
forme it  by  reason  of  the  hard  Enchauntments,  after  long 

1  Presently,  immediately. 

2  Eftesoones,  immediately. 
8  Groome,  servant. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxi 

sorrow,  in  the  end  met  with  Britomartis,  who  succoured  him, 
and  reskewed  his  love. 

But  by  occasion  hereof,  many  other  adventures  are  inter- 
medled  ;  but  rather  as  accidents  then  intendments.  As  the 
love  of  Britomart,  the  overthrow  of  Marinell,  the  miserie  of 
Florimell,  the  vertuousness  of  Belphoebe  ;  and  many  the 
like. 

Thus  much,  Sir,  I  have  briefly-over-run  to  direct  your 
understanding  to  the  wel-head  of  the  History,  that  from 
thence  gathering  the  whole  intention  of  the  conceit,  ye  may 
as  in  a  handfull  gripe  all  the  discourse,  which  otherwise  may 
happely  seem  tedious  and  confused.  So  humbly  craving  the 
continuance  of  your  honourable  favour  towards  me,  and  th' 
eternall  establishment  of  your  happines,  I  humbly  take 
leave. 

Yours  most  humbly  affectionate, 

EDM.  SPENSER. 
23  Januarie,  1589. 


BRITOMART. 


1  IT  falls  me1  here  to  write  of  chastity, 
That  fairest  virtue  far  above  the  rest : 

For  which  what  needs  me  fetch  from  Faery2 
Foreign  ensamples  it  to  have  expressed  ? 
Sith3  it  is  shrined  in  my  sovereign's  breast, 
And  formed  so  lively  in  each  perfect  part, 
That  to  all  ladies,  which  have  it  professed, 
Need  but  behold  the  portrait  of  her  heart ; 
If  portrayed  it  might  be  by  any  living  art : 

2  But  living  art  may  not  least  part  express, 
Nor  life-resembling  pencil  it  can  paint : 
All  were  it4  Zeuxis5  or  Praxiteles,6 

His  daedale7  hand  would  fail  and  greatly  faint, 
And  her  perfections  with  his  error  taint : 

NOTE.  —  Britomart  is  the  knight  of  chastity.  The  name  denotes 
a  martial  Britoness,  as  Spenser  uses  it.  It  is  really  one  of  the  names 
of  Diana. 

1  Falls  me,  falls  to  me,  falls  to  painter  who  lived  during  the  latter 
my  lot.  half  of  the  5th  century  B.C. 

2  Faery,  faeryland,  fairyland.  6  Praxiteles,   a   famous    Greek 

3  Sith,  since.  sculptor  who  flourished  about  350 

4  All  were  it,  although  it  were.  B.C. 

5  Zeuxis,    a    celebrated    Greek  7  Dcedale,  skilful. 


2  THE;  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Ne1  poet's  wit,  that  passeth  painter  far 

In  picturing  the  parts  of  beauty  daint,2 

So  hard  a  workmanship  adventure  darre, 

For  fear  through  want  of  words  her  excellence  to  mar. 

3  How  then  shall  I,  apprentice  of  the  skill 
That  whilom3  in  divinest  wits  did  reign, 
Presume  so  high  to  stretch  mine  humble  quill  ? 
Yet  now  my  luckless  lot  doth  me  constrain 
Hereto  perforce:  but,  O  dread  sovereign, 
Thus  far  forth  pardon,  sith  that  choicest  wit 
Cannot  your  glorious  portrait  figure  plain, 
That  I  in  colored  shows  may  shadow  it  ; 

And  antique  praises  unto  present  persons  fit. 

4  But  if  in  living  colours,  and  right  hue, 
Thyself  thou  covet  to  see  pictured, 
Who  can  it  do  more  lively,  or  more  true, 
Than  that  sweet  verse,  with  nectar  sprinkeled 
In  which  a  gracious  servant4  pictured 

His  Cynthia,  his  heaven's  fairest  light  ? 
That  with  his  melting  sweetness  ravished, 
And  with  the  wonder  of  her  beame's  bright, 
My  senses  lulled  are  in  slumber  of  delight. 

5  But  let  that  same  delicious  poet  lend 
A  little  leave  unto  a  rustic  muse 

1  Ne,  nor.  poem  called  "  Cynthia."      Queen 

2  Daint,  dainty.  Elizabeth,    being    unmarried,   was 
8  Whilom,  formerly.  often    called    Cynthia,  —  another 
4  A  gracious   servant,  i.e.     Sir       name     for     the    virgin    goddess, 

Walter     Raleigh     who     wrote    a       Diana. 


BRITOMART.  3 

To  sing  his  mistress'  praise  ;  and  let  him  mend, 

If  ought  amiss  her  liking  may  abuse: 

Ne  let  his  fairest  Cynthia  refuse 

In  mirrors  more  than  one  herself  to  see ; 

But  either  Gloriana1  let  her  choose, 

Or  in  Belphoebe2  fashioned  to  be  ; 

In  th'  one  her  rule,  in  th'  other  her  rare  chastity. 

1  Gloriana,  the  queen  of  Faery-  2  Belphoebe,  a  character  in  books 

land,  beloved  by  Prince  Arthur.  Ill  and  IV  of  the  "  Faery  Queene." 


I. 

Britomart  encounters  Prince  Arthur  and  Sir  Guyon.  After  sepa- 
rating from  them,  she  passes  on  to  Castle  Joyous  where  she  falls  in  with 
the  Redcross  knight. 

1  THE  famous  Briton  prince 1  and  faery  knight,2 
After  long  ways  and  perilous  pains  endured, 
Having  their  weary  limbs  to  perfect  plight 
Restored,  and  sorry  wounds  right  well  recured, 
Of  the  fair  Alma  3  greatly  were  procured 4 

To  make  there  lenger  sojourn  and  abode ; 
But,  when  thereto  they  might  not  be  allured 
From  seeking  praise  and  deeds  of  arms  abrode, 
They    courteous    conge5   took,   and   forth    together 
yode.6 

2  Long  so  they  travelled  through  wasteful  ways,7 
Where  dangers  dwelt,  and  perils  most  did  won,8 
To  hunt  for  glory  and  renowmed  9  praise  : 

1  The  famous    Briton   prince,       have  been  enjoying  her  hospitality 
Prince  Arthur,  the  perfect  knight,       after  a  perilous  adventure. 

who  is  in  love  with  Gloriana,  the  *  Procured,  entreated, 

queen  of  Faeryland.  6  Conge,  leave. 

2  Faery  knight.     All  Gloriana's  6  Yode,  went. 

champions  are  called  faery  knights.  7  Wasteful  ways,  waste  places, 

The  one  here  mentioned  is  Guyon,       desolate  places, 
the  knight  of  Temperance.  8  Won,  dwell. 

8  Alma,  the  lady  of  the  house  9  Renowmed.      Spenser    seems 

of  Temperance.    The  two  warriors       to  prefer  the  form  renowm  to  the 

modern  form. 


6  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Full  many  countries  they  did  overrun, 

From  the  uprising  to  the  setting  sun, 

And  many  hard  adventures  did  achieve  ; 

Of  all  the  which  they  honour  ever  won, 

Seeking  the  weak  oppressed  to  relieve, 

And  to  recover  right  for  such  as  wrong  did  grieve. 

3  At  last,  as  through  an  open  plain  they  yode, 
They  spied  a  knight  that  towards  pricked  1  fair ; 
And  him  beside  an  aged  squire  there  rode, 

That    seemed    to    couch2    under    his    shield    three- 
square,3 

As  if  that  age  bade  him  that  burden  spare, 
And  yield  it  those  that  stouter  4  could  it  wield : 
He,  them  espying,  gan  himself  prepare, 
And  on  his  arm  address  his  goodly  shield 
That  bore  a  lion  passant 6  in  a  golden  field.6 

4  Which  seeing,  good  Sir  Guyon  dear  besought 
The  prince,  of  grace,  to  let  him  run  that  turn. 
He  granted  :  then  the  Faery  quickly  raught 7 
His  poignant 8  spear,  and  sharply  gan  to  spurn  9 
His  foamy  steed,  whose  fiery  feet  did  burn 
The  verdant  grass  as  he  thereon  did  tread ; 

Ne  did  the  other  back  his  foot  return, 

1  Pricked,  spurred  onward.  6  Field,  term  in  heraldry  for  the 

2  Couch,  bend.  surface    of    a   shield.       Britomart 
8  Three- square,    having    three       bore  the  legendary  arms  of  Brute, 

equal  sides.  her  ancestor. 

4  Stouter,  more  boldly.  7  Raugkt,  reached. 

6  Passant,  walking.  8  Poignant,  sharp. 

9  Spurn,  spur. 


BRITOMART.  7 

But  fiercely  forward  came  withouten  dread, 

And  bent  his  dreadful  spear  against  the  other's  head. 

5  They  been  ymet,  and  both  their  points  arrived  ; 
But  Guy  on  drove  so  furious  and  fell,1 

That  seemed  both  shield  and   plate  it  would    have 

rived  2 ; 

Natheless  3  it  bore  his  foe  not  from  his  sell,4 
But  made  him  stagger,  as  he  were  not  well : 
But  Guyon  self,  ere  well  he  was  aware, 
Nigh  a  spear's  length  behind  his  crouper  fell  ; 
Yet  in  his  fall  so  well  himself  he  bare, 
That  mischievous  mischance  his  life  and  limbs  did 

spare. 

6  Great  shame  and  sorrow  of  that  fall  he  took  ; 
For  never  yet,  sith  warlike  arms  he  bore 
And  shivering  spear  in  bloody  field  first  shook, 
He  found  himself  dishonoured  so  sore. 

Ah  !  gentlest  knight  that  ever  armour  bore, 
Let  not  thee  grieve  dismounted  to  have  been, 
And  brought  to  ground,  that  never  wast  before  ; 
For  not  thy  fault,  but  secret  pow'r  unseen  ; 
That  spear  enchanted  was  which  laid  thee  on  the 
green  ! 

7  But  weenedst  thou  what  wight 5  thee  overthrew, 
Much  greater  grief  and  shamefuller  regret 

For  thy  hard  fortune  then  thou  wouldst  renew, 
That  of  a  single6  damsel  thou  wert  met 

1  Fell,  fiercely.  *  Sell,  saddle. 

2  Rived,  torn  apart.  6  Wight,  person. 
8  Natheless,  nevertheless.  6  Single,  weak. 


8  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

On  equal  plain,  and  there  so  hard  beset  : 

Even  the  famous  Britomart  it  was, 

Whom  strange  adventure  did  from  Britain  fett 1 

To  seek  her  lover,  (love  far  sought,  alas  ! ) 

Whose  image  she  had  seen  in  Venus'  looking-glass. 

8  Full  of  disdainful  wrath,  he  fierce  uprose 
For  to  revenge  that  foul  reproachful  shame, 
And,  snatching  his  bright  sword,  began  to  close 
With  her  on  foot,  and  stoutly  forward  came  ; 
Die  rather  would  he  then  2  endure  that  same. 
Which  when  his  palmer  3  saw,  he  gan  to  fear 
His  toward 4  peril,  and  untoward 5  blame, 
Which  by  that  new  rencounter  he  should  rear6 ; 
For  death  sat  on  the  point  of  that  enchanted  spear : 

9  And  hasting  towards  him  gan  fair  persuade 
Not  to  provoke  misfortune,  nor  to  ween 7 
His  spear's  default  to  mend  with  cruel  blade ; 
For  by  his  mighty  science  he  had  seen 

The  secret  virtue  of  that  weapon  keen, 
That  mortal  puissance  mote  8  not  withstond  : 
>  Nothing  on  earth  mote  always  happy 9  been  ! 
Great  hazard  were  it,  and  adventure  fond,10 
To  lose  long-gotten  honour  with  one  evil  hond.11 

1  Fett,  fetch.  5  Untoward,  troublesome,  vexa- 

2  Then,  than  ;  this  form  occurs       tious. 

frequently  in  the  poem.  «  Rear,  raise,  bring  upon  him- 

8  Palmer,  a  wandering  religious  self, 

votary.      Palms   were   sometimes  7  Ween,  think, 

carried  by  a  palmer,  as  a  sign  that  8  Mote,  might, 

he  had  been  to  the  Holy  Land.  9  Happy,  successful. 

4  Toward,  near  at  hand.       •  10  Fond,  foolish. 
11  Hond,  act. 


BRITOMART. 

10  By  such  good  means  he  him  discounselled  1 
From  prosecuting  his  revenging  rage  : 
And  eke  2  the  prince  like  treaty  handeled,3 
His  wrathful  will  with  reason  to  assuage  ; 
And  laid  the  blame,  not  to  his  carriage, 
But  to  his  starting  steed  that  swarved  aside, 
And  to  the  ill  purveyance  of  his  page, 
That  had  his  furnitures  4  not  firmly  tied  : 
So  is  his  angry  corage  5  fairly  pacified. 

1 1  Thus  reconcilement  was  between  them  knit, 
Through  goodly  temperance  and  affection  chaste  ; 
And  either  vowed  with  all  their  power  and  wit 
To  let  not  other's  honour  be  defaced 

Of  friend  or  foe,  whoever  it  embaste,6 
Ne  arms  to  bear  against  the  other's  side  : 
In  which  accord 7  the  prince  was  also  placed, 
And  with  that  golden  chain  of  concord  tied  : 
So  goodly  all  agreed,  they  forth  yfere 8  did  ride. 

12  O,  goodly  usage  of  those  antique  times, 

In  which  the  sword  was  servant  unto  right  ! 
When  jiot  for  malice  and  contentious  crimes, 
But  all  for  praise,  and  proof  of  manly  might, 
The  martial  brood  accustomed  to  fight  : 
Then  honour  was  the  meed  of  victory, 
And  yet  the  vanquished  had  no  despite9 : 

1  Discounselled,  dissuaded.  6  Corage,  heart. 

2  Eke,  likewise.  6  Embaste,  insulted. 
8  Like  treaty  handeled,  used  the  7  Accord,  agreement. 

same  argument.  8  yfere,  together. 

4  Furnitures,  equipment.  9  Despite,  malice,  hatred. 


10  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Let  later  age  that  noble  use  envy,1 

Vile  rancour  to  avoid  and  cruel  surquedry  1 2 

1 3  Long  they  thus  travelled  in  friendly  wise, 
Through  countries  waste,  and  eke  well  edified,  3 
Seeking  adventurers  hard,  to  exercise 

Their  puissance,  whilom4  full  dernly5  tried. 
At  length  they  came  into  a  forest  wide, 
Whose  hideous  horror  and  sad  trembling  sound 
Full  grisly6  seemed  :  therein  they  long  did  ride, 
Yet  tract 7  of  living  creature  none  they  found, 
Save  bears,  lions,  and  bulls,  which  roamed  them 
around. 

14  All  suddenly  out  of  the  thickest  brush, 
Upon  a  milk-white  palfrey  all  alone, 

A  goodly  lady  did  foreby8  them  rush, 
Whose  face  did  seem  as  clear  as  crystal  stone, 
And  eke,  through  fear,  as  white  as  whales  bone : 
Her  garments  all  were  wrought  of  beaten  gold, 
And  all  her  steed  with  tinsel  trappings  shone, 
Which  fled  so  fast  that  nothing  mote  him  hold, 
And  scarce  them  leisure  gave  her  passing  to  behold. 

i  5   Still  as  she  fled  her  eye  she  backward  threw, 
As  fearing  evil  that  pursued  her  fast ; 
And  her  fair  yellow  locks  behind  her  flew, 
Loosely  dispersed  with  puff  of  every  blast : 
All  as  a  blazing  star  doth  far  outcast 

1  Envy,  emulate.  6  Dernly,  sadly,  severely. 

2  Surquedry,  insolence.  6  Grisly,  terrible. 
8  Edified,  built.                                 7  Tract,  trace. 

*  Whilom,  formerly.  8  Foreby,  by. 


BRITOMART.  11 

His  hairy  beams,  and  flaming  locks  dispread, 
At  sight  whereof  the  people  stand  aghast ; 
But  the  sage  wizard  tells,  as  he  has  read, 
That  it  importunes1  death  and  doleful  dreryhed.2 

1 6  So  as  they  gazed  after  her  awhile, 

Lo  !  where  a  grisly3  foster4  forth  did  rush, 


His  tireling  jade5  he  fiercely  forth  did  push 
Through  thick  and  thin,  both  over  bank  and  bush, 
In  hope  her  to  attain  by  hook  or  crook, 
That6  from  his  gory  sides  the  blood  did  gush : 
Large  were  his  limbs,  and  terrible  his  look, 
And  in  his  clownish  hand  a  sharp  boar-spear  he 
shook. 

17  Which  outrage  when  those  gentle7  knights  did  see, 
Full  of  great  envy  and  fell  jealousy,8 
They  stayed  not  to  avise9  who  first  should  be, 
But  all  spurred  after,  fast  as  they  mote  fly, 
To  rescue  her  from  shameful  villainy. 
The  prince  and  Guyon  equally  bylive10 
Herself  pursued,  in  hope  to  win  thereby 
Most  goodly  meed,  the  fairest  dame  alive  : 
But  after  the  foul  foster  Timias  did  strive. 

1  Importunes,  portends.  8  Great  envy  and  fell  jealousy. 

2  Dreryhed,  sorrow.  Prof.    Child    remarks    that    both 
8  Grisly,  frightful,  dreadful.  envy  and  jealousy  are  here  used 
*  Foster,  forester.  in  the  sense  of  indignation.     Fell 

5  Tyreling jade,  hackney  ?  means  fierce. 

6  That,  so  that.  9  Avise,  consider. 

7  Gentle,  high-born,  noble.  10  Bylive,  quickly. 


12  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

1 8  The  whiles  fair  Britomart,  whose  constant  mind 
Would  not  so  lightly  follow  beauty's  chase, 

Ne  recked  of  ladies'  love,  did  stay  behind  ; 
And  them  awaited  there  a  certain  space, 
To  weet1  if  they  would  turn  back  to  that  place  : 
But,  when  she  saw  them  gone,  she  forward  went, 
As  lay  her  journey,  through  that  perlous  pace,2 
With  steadfast  courage  and  stout  hardiment3; 
Ne  evil  thing  she  feared,  ne  evil  thing  she  meant. 

19  At  last,  as  nigh  out  of  the  wood  she  came, 
A  stately  castle  far  away  she  spied, 

To  which  her  steps  directly  she  did  frame. 

That  castle  was  most  goodly  edified,4 

And  placed  for  pleasure  nigh  that  forest  side  : 

But  fair  before  the  gate  a  spacious  plain, 

Mantled  with  green,  itself  did  spreaden  wide, 

On  which  she  saw  six  knights,  that  did  darrayne5 

Fierce  battle  against  one  with  cruel  might  and  main. 

20  Mainly6  they  all  attonce  upon  him  laid, 
And  sore  beset  on  every  side  around, 

That  nigh  he  breathless  grew,  yet  nought  dismayed, 

Ne  ever  to  them  yielded  foot  of  ground, 

All  had  he7  lost  much  blood  through  many  a  wound ; 

But  stoutly  dealt  his  blows,  and  every  way, 

To  which  he  turned  in  his  wrathful  stound,8 

1  Weet,  know,  learn.  6  Darrayne,  wage. 

2  Perlous  pace,  perilous  pass.  fl  Mainly,  strongly. 

8  Hardiment,  boldness.  7  All  had  he,  although  he  had. 

*  Edified,  built.  8  Stound,  moment,  mood. 


BRITOMART.  13 

Made  them  recoil,  and  fly  from  dread  decay,1 
That  none  of  all  the  six  before  him  durst  assay2: 

2 1  Like  dastard  curs,  that,  having  at  a  bay 

The  salvage3  beast  embossed4  in  weary  chase, 
Dare  not  adventure  on  the  stubborn  prey, 
Ne5  bite  before,  but  roam  from  place  to  place 
To  get  a  snatch  when  turned  is  his  face. 
In  such  distress  and  doubtful  jeopardy 
When  Britomart  him  saw,  she  ran  apace6 
Unto  his  rescue,  and  with  earnest  cry 
Bade  those  same  six  forbear  that  single  enemy. 

22  But  to  her  cry  they  list  not7  lenden  ear, 

Ne  aught  the  more  their  mighty  strokes  surcease 8 ; 

But,  gathering  him  round  about  more  near, 

Their  direful  rancour  rather  did  increase ; 

Till  that  she  rushing  through  the  thickest  preasse9 

Perforce  disparted  their  compacted  gyre,10 

And  soon  compelled  to  hearken  unto  peace  : 

Tho11  gan  she  mildly  of  them  to  inquire 

The  cause  of  their  dissention  and  outrageous  ire. 

23  Whereto  that  single  knight  did  answer  frame  : 
''These  six  would  me  enforce,  by  odds  of  might, 
To  change  my  liefe,12  and  love  another  dame  ; 

1  Decay,  destruction.  6  Apace,  quickly. 

2  Before  him  durst  assay,  dared  "  List  not,  cared  not  to. 
attack  him  in  front.  8  Surcease,  cause  to  cease. 

3  Salvage,  wild.  9  Preasse,  crowd. 

4  Embossed,  tired  out.  10  Gyre,  circle. 
6  Ne,  nor.  n  Tho,  then. 

12  Liefe,  love. 


14  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  death  me  liefer l  were  then  such  despite,2 

So  unto  wrong  to  yield  my  wrested  right  : 

For  I  love  one,  the  truest  one  on  ground, 

Ne  list  me3  change ;  she  th'  Errant  Damsel4  hight5; 

For  whose  dear  sake  full  many  a  bitter  stound6 

I  have  endured,  and  tasted  many  a  bloody  wound." 

24  "Certes,"7  said  she,  "  then  been  ye  six  to  blame, 
To  ween8  your  wrong  by  force  to  justify  : 

For  knight  to  leave  his  lady  were  great  shame 

That  faithful  is  ;  and  better  were  to  die. 

All  loss  is  less,  and  less  the  infamy, 

Than  loss  of  love  to  him  that  loves  but  one  : 

Ne  may  love  be  compelled  by  maistery9; 

For,  soon  as  maistery  comes,  sweet  love  anon 

Taketh  his  nimble  wings,  and  soon  away  is  gone." 

25  Then  spake  one  of  those  six  :  "  There  dwelleth  here 
Within  this  castle  wall  a  lady  fair, 

Whose  sovereign  beauty  hath  no  living  pere 10 ; 
Thereto  so  bounteous  and  so  debonaire,11 
That  never  any  mote 12  with  her  compare  : 

1  Liefer,  preferable.  "  •  •  •  on  his  breast  a  bloody  cross  he 

2  That  death  me  liefer -were  then  bore> 

such  despite,  i.e.  I  would  rather  die  The  dear  «™embrance  of  his  dying 

than  do  what   I   should  so  scorn 

to   do.  5  Hight,  is  called. 

8  Ne  list  me,  nor  do  I  desire  to.  6  Stound,  peril. 

4  Errant  Damsel,  i.e.  Una,  the  7  Certes,  certainly, 

heroine  of  the   first  book  of  the  8  Ween,  think. 

"Faery   Queene."      This    "single  9  Maistery,  superior  power, 

knight "  is  her  champion,  and  he  10  Pere,  peer, 

is  called  the  Redcross  knight  be-  n  Debonaire,  gracious, 

cause  :  12  Mote,  may. 


BRITOMART.  15 

She  hath  ordained  this  law,  which  we  approve, 
That  every  knight  which  doth  this  way  repair, 
Tn  case  he  have  no  lady  nor  no  love, 
Shall  do  unto  her  service,  never  to  remove : 

26  "But  if  he  have  a  lady  or  a  love, 

Then  must  he  her  forego  with  foul  defame,1 
Or  else  with  us  by  dint2  of  sword  approve3 
That  she  is  fairer  than  our  fairest  dame  ; 
As  did  this  knight,  before  ye  hither  came." 

"Perdy,"4  said  Britomart,  "the  choice  is  hard  ! 
But  what  reward  had  he  that  overcame?" 
"  He  should  advanced  be  to  high  regard," 
Said  they,  "and  have  our  lady's  love  for  his  reward. 

27  "Therefore  aread,6  sir,  if  thou  have  a  love." 
"Love  have  I  sure,"  quoth  she,  "but  lady  none ; 
Yet  will  I  not  fro  mine  own  love  remove, 

Ne  to  your  lady  will  I  service  done,6 
But  wreak  your  wrongs  wrought  to  this  knight  alone, 
And  prove  his  cause."    With  that,  her  mortal7  spear 
She  mightily  aventred  8  towards  one, 
And  down  him  smote  ere  well  aware  he  weare9 ; 
Then  to  the  next  she  rode,  and  down  the  next  did 
bear. 

28  Ne  did  she  stay  till  three  on  ground  she  laid, 
That10  none  of  them  himself  could  rear  again  : 

1  Defame,  dishonor.  6  Done,  do. 

2  Dint,  stroke.  7  Mortal,  death-giving. 

3  Approve,  prove.  8  Aventred,  aimed. 
*  Perdy,  truly.  9  Weare,  were. 

5  Aread,  declare.  10  That,  so  that. 


16  THE  FAERY  QUEENS. 

The  fourth  was  by  that  other  knight  dismayed, 
All  were  he1  weary  of  his  former  pain  ; 
That  now  there  do  but  two  of  six  remain  ; 
Which  two  did  yield  before  she  did  them  smite. 
"Ah !"  said  she  then,  "now  may  ye  all  see  plain, 
That  truth  is  strong,  and  true  love  most  of  might, 
That  for  his  trusty  servants  doth  so  strongly  fight." 

29  "Too  well  we  see,"  said  they,  "and  prove  too  well 
Our  faulty  weakness,  and  your  matchless  might : 
Forthy,2  fair  sir,  yours  be  the  damosel, 

Which  by  her  own  law  to  your  lot  doth  light, 
And  we  your  liegemen  faith  unto  you  plight." 
So  underneath  her  feet  their  swords  they  mard,3 
And,  after,  her  besought,  well  as  they  might, 
To  enter  in  and  reap  the  due  reward  : 
She  granted ;  and  then  in  they  all  together  far'd.4 

30  Long  were  it  to  describe  the  goodly  frame 
And  stately  port  of  Castle  Joyeous,5 

(For  so  that  castle  hight6  by  common  name), 
Where  they  were  entertained  with  courteous 
And  comely  glee  of  many  gracious 
Fair  ladies,  and  of  many  a  gentle  knight ; 
Who,  through  a  chamber  long  and  spacious, 
Eftsoones7  them  brought  unto  their  lady's  sight, 
That  of  them  cleeped8  was  the  Lady  of  Delight. 

1  All  were  he,  although  he  was.       pronounced  as  two  syllables.    The 

2  Forthy,  therefore.  same    is    true    of    gracious    and 
8  Mard,  debased.                                spacious. 

4  Fared,  went.  6  Hight,  was  called. 

6  Joyeous ;   the  final  syllable  is  7  Eftsoones,  speedily. 

8  Cleeped,  called. 


BRITOMART.  17 

3 1  But,  for  to  tell  the  sumptuous  array 

Of  that  great  chamber,  should  be  labour  lost ; 
For  living  wit,  I  ween,  cannot  display 
The  royal  riches  and  exceeding  cost 
Of  every  pillar  and  of  every  post, 
Which  all  of  purest  bullion  framed  were, 
And  with  great  pearls  and  precious  stones 

embossed1; 

That  the  bright  glister  of  their  beames  clear 
Did  sparkle  forth  great  light,  and  glorious  did  appear. 

32  These  stranger  knights,  through  passing,  forth 

were  led 

Into  an  inner  room,  whose  royalty 
And  rich  purveyance2  might  uneath3  be  read4; 
Mote5  prince's  place  beseem  so  decked  to  be. 
Which  stately  manner  whenas  they  did  see, 
The  image  of  superfluous  riotize,6 
Exceeding  much  the  state  of  mean7  degree, 
They  greatly  wond'red  whence  so  sumptuous  guise 
Might  be  maintained,  and  each  gan  diversely  devise.8 

33  The  walls  were  round  about  apparelled 
With  costly  cloths  of  Arras  and  of  Toure9; 
In  which  with  cunning  hand  was  portrayed 
The  love  of  Venus  and  her  paramour,10 

1  Embossed,    ornamented    with  6  Riotize,  extravagance, 
raised  work.  7  Mean,  moderate. 

2  Purveyance,  furniture.  8  Devise,  imagine. 

8  Uneath,  with  difficulty.  9  Cloths  of  Arras  and  of  Toure 

4  Read,  imagined.  (Tours'),  tapestry  woven  at  these 

6  Mote,  might.  places. 

10  Paramour,  lover. 


18  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

The  fair  Adonis,1  turned  to  a  flow'r  ; 

A  work  of  rare  device  and  wondrous  wit. 

First  did  it  show  the  bitter  baleful  stour,2 

Which  her  essayed  with  many  a  fervent  fit, 

When  first  her  tender  heart  was  with  his  beauty  smit : 

34  Lo  !  where  beyond3  he  lieth  languishing, 
Deadly  engored  of  a  great  wild  boar ; 
And  by  his  side  the  goddess  grovelling 
Makes  for  him  endless  moan,  and  evermore 
With  her  soft  garment  wipes  away  the  gore 
Which  stains  his  snowy  skin  with  hateful  hue : 
But,  when  she  saw  no  help  might  him  restore, 
Him  to  a  dainty  flower  she  did  transmew,4 
Which  in  that  cloth  was  wrought,  as  if  it  lively  grew. 

35  And  all  the  while  sweet  music  did  divide 
Her  looser  notes  with  Lydian  harmony5; 
And  all  the  while  sweet  birds  thereto  applied 
Their  dainty  lays  and  dulcet  melody, 

Aye  carrolling  of  love  and  jollity, 

That  wonder  was  to  hear  their  trim  consort.6 


36  Thence  they  were  brought  to  that  great  lady's  view, 
Whom  they  found  sitting  on  a  sumptuous  bed 

1  AdSnis,  a  beautiful  youth  be-  2  Stour,  distress, 

loved  of  Venus,  who  was  killed  a  Beyond,  at  a  distance, 

while  hunting  a  wild  boar.     The  *  Transmew,  change, 

flower    Adonis   autumnalis  —  the  5  Lydian    harmony;    Lydian 

pheasant's  eye  —  was  said  to  have  music  was  said  to  be  of  a  soft  and 

sprung  from  his  blood.  voluptuous  character. 

6  Trim  consort,  pleasing  concert. 


BRITOMART.  19 

That  glist'red  all  with  gold  and  glorious  shew, 
As  the  proud  Persian  queens  accustomed. 
She  seemed  a  woman  of  great  bountihead1 
And  of  rare  beauty,  saving  that  askance 
Her  wanton  eyes  (ill  signs  of  womanhead) 
Did  roll  too  lightly,  and  too  often  glance, 
Without  regard  of  grace  or  comely  amenaunce.2 

37  Long  work  it  were,  and  needless,  to  devise3 
Their  goodly  entertainment  and  great  glee  : 
She  caused  them  be  led  in  courteous  wise 
Into  a  bow'r,  disarmed  for  to  be, 

And  cheered  well  with  wine  and  spicery : 

The  Redcross  knight  was  soon  disarmed  there ; 

But  the  brave  maid  would  not  disarmed  be, 

But  only  vented  up  her  umbriere,4 

And  so  did  let  her  goodly  visage  to  appear. 

38  As  when  fair  Cynthia,5  in  darksome  night, 
Is  in  a  noyous  6  cloud  enveloped, 

Where  she  may  find  the  substance  thin  and  light, 

Breaks  forth  her  silver  beams,  and  her  bright  head 

Discovers  to  the  world  discomfited,7 

Of  the  poor  traveller  that  went  astray 

With  thousand  blessings  she  is  heried8; 

Such  was  the  beauty  and  the  shining  ray 

With  which  fair  Britomart  gave  light  unto  the  day. 

1  Bountihead,  goodness,  gener-  5  Cynthia,  the  same  as  Diana, 
osity.                                                          the  goddess  of  the  moon. 

2  Amenaunce,  behavior.  6  Noyous,    annoying,    disagree- 
8  Devise,  describe.                               able. 

4  Vented  tip  her  umbriere,  raised  7  Discomfited,  dejected, 

her  visor.  8  Heried,  praised. 


20  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

39  And  eke l  those  six,  which  lately  with  her  fought, 
Now  were  disarmed,  and  did  themselves  present 
Unto  her  view,  and  company2  unsought ; 

For  they  all  seemed  courteous  and  gent,3 
And  all  six  brethren,  born  of  one  parent, 
Which  had  them  trained  in  all  civility, 
And  goodly  taught  to  tilt  and  tournament ; 
Now  were  they  liegemen  to  this  lady  free, 
And  her  knight's  service  ought,4  to  hold  of  her  in 
fee.5 

40  The  first  of  them  by  name  Gardante6  hight, 
A  jolly7  person,  and  of  comely  view  ; 

The  second  was  Parlante,  a  bold  knight  ; 
And  next  to  him  Jocante  did  ensue8; 
Basciante  did  himself  most  courteous  shew  ; 
But  fierce  Bacchante  seemed  too  fell 9  and  keen  ; 
And  yet  in  arms  Noctante  greater  grew : 
All  were  fair  knights,  and  goodly  well  beseen10; 
But  to  fair  Britomart  they  all  but  shadows  been. 

1  Eke,  likewise.  to  hold  her  land  as  a  stipend  for 

2  Company,   become   her  com-  service  performed,  —  the  land  so 
panions.  held  being  called  a  fief. 

3  Gent,  noble.  6  Gardante   means   a   gazer  or 

4  And  her  knight's  service  ought  ogler ;    Parlante,  a  prattler ;  Joc- 
(owed),  i.e.  they  held  land  of  her  ante,  a  jester ;  Basciante,  one  who 
on    condition    that    they    should  kisses ;   Bacchante,   a   drinker   of 
perform   for   her   some   noble    or  wine ;  and  Noctante,  a  reveller  by 
military     service  —  such     service  night. 

being  usually  performed  on  horse-  7  Jolly,  handsome, 

back.  8  Ensue,  follow. 

5  To  hold  of  her  in  fee;  that  is,  9  Fell,  fierce. 

10  Beseen,  appearing. 


BRITOMAKT.  21 

41  For  she  was  full  of  amiable  grace 
And  manly  terror  mixed  therewithal ; 
That  as  the  one  stirred  up  affections  base, 
So  th'  other  did  men's  rash  desires  appal, 
And  hold  them  back  that  would  in  error  fall  : 
As  he  that  hath  espied  a  vermeil  rose, 

To  which  sharp  thorns  and  breres 1  the  way  forestall, 
Dare  not  for  dread  his  hardy  hand  expose, 
But,  wishing  it  far  off,  his  idle  wish  doth  lose. 

42  Supper  was  shortly  dight,2  and  down  they  sat ; 
Where  they  were  served  with  all  sumptuous  fare, 
Whiles  fruitful  Ceres  3  and  Lyaeus  4  fat 

Poured  out  their  plenty,  without  spight  5  or  spare ; 
Nought  wanted  there  that  dainty  was  and  rare : 


After  the  meal  was  over,  the  knights  and  ladies  amused  themselves 
in  various  ways  :  — 

43   Some  fell  to  dance  ;  some  fell  to  hazardry6; 
Some  to  make  love  ;  some  to  make  merriment ; 
As  diverse  wits  to  diverse  things  apply. 


44  High  time  it  seemed  then  for  every  wight 
Them  to  betake  unto  their  kindly  rest  : 
Eftsoones7  long  waxen  torches  weren  light 

1  Breres,  briars.  4  Ly&us,   a   surname   given    to 

2  Dight,  prepared.  Bacchus. 

8  Ceres,  the  goddess  of  corn  and  5  Spight,  grudge, 

tillage.  6  Hazardry,  gaming. 

7  Eftsoones,  immediately. 


22  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Unto  their  bow'rs l  to  gulden  every  guest  : 
Tho,2  when  the  Britoness  saw  all  the  rest 
Avoided  3  quite,  she  gan  herself  despoil,4 
And  safe  commit  to  her  soft  feathered  nest ; 
Where  through  long  watch,  and  late  day's  weary  toil, 
She  soundly  slept,  and  careful  thoughts  did  quite 
assoil.5 

Before  long,  the  warlike  maiden  waked  to  find  herself  in  danger. 
There  was  a  noise,  — 

45  • 

And  the  whole  family,  therewith  adread,6 

Rashly7  out  of  their  roused  couches  sprong, 

And  to  the  troubled  chamber  all  .in  arms  did  throng. 

46  And  those  six  knights,  that  lady's  champions, 
And  eke  the  Redcross  knight  ran  to  the  stound,8 
Half  armed  and  half  unarmed,  with  them  attons9 : 
Where  when  confusedly  they  came,  they  found 
Their  lady  lying  on  the  senseless  ground : 

On  th'  other  side  they  saw  the  war-like  maid 
All  in  her  snow-white  smock,  with  locks  unbound, 
Threat'ning  the  point  of  her  avenging  blade; 
That  with  so  troublous  terror  they  were  all  dismayed. 

47  About  their  lady  first  they  flocked  around  ; 
Whom  having  laid  in  comfortable  couch, 
Shortly  they  reared  out  of  her  frozen  swownd10; 

1  Bowers,  chambers.  6  Adread,  frightened. 

2  Tho,  then.  1  Rashly,  hastily. 
8  Avoided,  departed.                                8  Stound,  alarm. 

*  Despoil,  unclothe.  9  Attons,  together. 

6  Assoil,  put  off.  10  Swownd,  swoon. 


BRITOMART.  23 

And  afterwards  they  gan1  with  foul  reproach 

To  stir  up  strife,  and  troublous  contecke2  broach  : 

But,  by  ensample  of  the  last  day's  loss,3 

None  of  them  rashly  durst  to  her*  approach, 

Ne  in  so  glorious  spoil  themselves  emboss5: 

Her  succoured  eke  the  champion  of  the  bloody  cross.6 

48  But  one  of  those  six  knights,  Gardante  hight,7 
Drew  out  a  deadly  bow  and  arrow  keen, 
Which  forth  he  sent  with  felonous  despite8 
And  fell  intent  against  the  virgin  sheen9: 
The  mortal 10  steel  stayed  not  till  it  was  seen 
To  gore  her  side  ;  yet  was  the  wound  not  deep, 
But  lightly  rased11  her  soft  silken  skin, 

That 12  drops  of  purple  blood  thereout  did  weep, 
Which  did  her  lily  smock  with  stains  of  vermeil13 
steep. 

49  Wherewith  enraged  she  fiercely  at  them  flew, 
And  with  her  flaming  sword  about  her  laid, 
That  none  of  them  foul  mischief  could  eschew,14 
But  with  her  dreadful  strokes  were  all  dismayed  : 
Here,  there,  and  everywhere,  about  her  swayed 
Her  wrathful  steel,  that  none  mote15  it  abide; 

1  Gan,  began.  7  Hight,  called. 

2  Contecke,  contention.  8  Despite,  malice,  hatred. 
8  By  ensample  of  the  last  day's            9  Sheen,  radiant,  fair. 

loss,  i.c.  warned  by  the  unfortunate  10  Mortal,  deadly, 

experience  of  the  preceding  day.  n  Rased,  rubbed,  grazed. 

*  Her,  i.e.  Britomart.  12  That,  so  that. 

5  Emboss,  fatigue.  18  Vermeil,  vermillion. 

6  Champion  of  the  bloody  cross,  14  Eshew,  escape  from, 
the  Redcross  knight.  15  Mote,  might. 


24  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  eke1  the  Redcross  knight  gave  her  good  aid, 
Aye  joining  foot  to  foot,  and  side  to  side ; 
That  in  short  space  their  foes  they  have  quite 
terrified. 

50  Tho2  whenas  all  were  put  to  shameful  flight, 
The  noble  Britomartis  her  arrayed, 
And  her  bright  arms  about  her  body  dight3 : 
For  nothing  would  she  lenger4  there  be  stayed, 
Where  so  loose  life  and  so  ungentle  trade5 
Was  used  of  knights  and  ladies  seeming  gent6 : 
So,  early,  ere  the  gross  earth's  gryesy 7  shade 
Was  all  dispersed  out  of  the  firmament, 
They  took  their  steeds,  and  forth  upon  their  journey 
went. 

1  Eke,  also.  6  Ungentle   trade,  ignoble  .con- 

2  Tho,  then.  duct. 

3  Dight,  disposed.  6  Gent,  high-bred. 

4  Lenger,  longer.  "  Gryesy,  moist,  foggy. 


II. 


Britomart  and  the  Redcross  knight  journey  on  together.  Going  back 
in  his  narrative,  the  poet  tells  how  the  maiden  sees  in  a  magic  looking- 
glass  the  image  of  Arthegall,  and  how  she  falls  in  love  with  the  unknown 
knight. 

1  HERE  have  I  cause  in  men  just  blame  to  find, 
That  in  their  proper  praise1  too  partial  be, 
And  not  indifferent  2  to  woman  kind, 

To  whom  no  share  in  arms  and  chivalry 

They  do  impart,  ne  maken  memory 

Of  their  brave  gests  3  and  prowess  martial : 

Scarce  do  they  spare  to  one,  or  two,  or  three, 

Room  in  their  writtes4;  yet  the  same  writing  small 

Does  all  their  deeds  deface,  and  dims  their  glories  all. 

2  But  by  record  of  antique  times  I  find 

That  women  wont  in  wars  to  bear  most  sway, 
And  to  all  great  exploits  themselves  inclined, 
Of  which  they  still  the  girlond  5  bore  away ; 
Till  envious  men,  fearing  their  rule's  decay,6 
Gan  coin  strait7  laws  to  curb  their  liberty  : 
Yet,  sith8  they  warlike  arms  have  laid  away, 

1  In  their  proper  praise,  i.e.  in  5  Girlond,  garland. 

praising  themselves.  6  Their    rule's    decay,    i.e.    the 

2  Indifferent,  impartial.  decline  of  their  own  authority. 
8  Gests,  deeds.  7  Strait,  strict,  rigorous. 

4  Writtes,  writings.  8  Sith,  since. 


26  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

They  have  excelled  in  arts  and  policy, 
That 1  now  we  foolish  men  that  praise  gin  2  eke 
t'  envy.3 

3  Of  warlike  puissance  in  ages  spent,4 

Be  thou,5  fair  Britomart,  whose  praise  I  write ; 
But  of  all  wisdom  be  thou  precedent, 

0  sovereign  Queen,6  whose  praise  I  would  endite,7 
Endite  I  would  as  duty  doth  excite ; 

But  ah  !  my  rhymes  too  rude  and  rugged  are, 
When  in8  so  high  an  object  they  do  light, 
And,  striving  fit  to  make,  I  fear  do  mar : 
Thyself  thy  praises  tell,  and  make  them  knowen  far. 

4  She,  travelling  with  Guyon,9  by  the  way 

Of  sundry  things  fair  purpose  10  gan  to  find,11 
T'  abridge  their  journey  long  and  ling'ring  day  : 
Mongst  which  it  fell  into  that  Faery's  B  mind 
To  ask  this  Briton  maid  what  uncouth 13  wind 
Brought  her  into  those  parts,  and  what  inquest 14 
Made  her  dissemble  her  disguised  kind15  : 
Fair  lady  she  him  seemed,  like  lady  dressed, 
But  fairest  knight  alive,  when  armed  was  her  breast. 

1  That,  so  that.  9  Guyon ;  this  is  a  mistake ;  it 

2  Gin,  begin.  should  be  the  Redcross  knight. 
8  Envy,  begrudge.  10  Purpose,  discourse. 

4  Spent,  passed.  u  Gan  to  find,  i.e.  did  find. 

8  Be  thou,  i.e.  be  thou  precedent  12  Faery's,    i.e.    Faery   knight's  ; 

or  example.  Faery  because  he  served  the  Faery 

6  O  sovereign  Queen ;  Elizabeth,  Queen. 

of  course,  is  here  referred  to.  1S  Uncouth,  strange. 

7  Endite,  indite.  14  Inquest,  quest  or  adventure. 

8  In,  i.e.  on.  1&  Kind,  sex. 


BRITOMART.  27 

5  Thereat  she  sighing  softly  had  no  pow'r 
To  speak  awhile,  ne  ready  answer  make  ; 

But  with  heart-thrilling  throbs  and  bitter  stour,1 

As  if  she  had  a  fever  fit,  did  quake, 

And  every  dainty  limb  with  horror  shake  ; 

And  ever  and  anon  the  rosy  red 

Flashed  through  her  face,  as  it  had  been  a  flake  2 

Of  lightning  through  bright  heaven  fulmined3  : 

At  last,  the  passion  past,  she  thus  him  answered  : 

6  "  Fair  sir,  I  let  you  weet,4  that  from  the  hour 
I  taken  was  from  nurse's  tender  pap, 

I  have  been  trained  up  in  warlike  stour,5 

To  tossen  spear  and  shield,  and  to  aff rap  6 

The  warlike  rider  to  his  most  mishap  ; 

Sithence 7  I  loathed  have  my  life  to  lead, 

As  ladies  wont,  in  pleasure's  wanton  lap, 

To  finger  the  fine  needle  and  nice  8  thread  ; 

Me  lever  were  9  with  point  of  foeman's  spear  be  dead. 

7  "All  my  delight  on  deeds  of  arms  is  set, 
To  hunt  out  perils  and  adventures  hard, 
By  sea,  by  land,  whereso  they  may  be  met, 
Only  for  honour  and  for  high  regard, 
Without  respect  of  richesse  or  reward  : 
For  such  intent  into  these  parts  I  came, 

1  Stour,  struggles.  6  In  warlike  stour,  amid  the  din 

2  Flake,  flash.  of  war,  amid  warlike  scenes. 

3  Fulmined,   the   same  as   ful-  6  Affrap,  strike. 
minated ;  to  fulminate  is  to  thun-  7  Sithence,  since, 
der,  or  to  hurl  lightning.  8  Nice,  delicate. 

4  Let  you  weet,  inform  you.  9  Me  lever  were,  I  would  rather. 


28  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Withouten  compass  or  withouten  card,1 
Far  fro  my  native  soil,  that  is  by  name 
The  Greater  Britain,2  here  to  seek  for  praise  and 
fame. 

8  "  Fame  blazed  hath,  that  here  in  Faery-lond 
Do  many  famous  knights  and  ladies  won,3 
And  many  strange  adventures  to  be  fond,4 

Of  which  great  worth  and  worship  5  may  be  won  : 
Which  to  prove,  I  this  voyage  have  begun. 
But  mote  I  weet  of  you,6  right  courteous  knight, 
Tidings  of  one  that  hath  unto  me  done 
Late  foul  dishonour  and  reproachful  spite, 
The  which  I  seek  to  wreak,7  and  Arthegall 8  he 
hight.9" 

9  The  word  gone  out  she  back  again  would  call, 
As  her  repenting  so  to  have  missaid,10 

But  that  he,  it  uptaking  ere  the  fall,11 
Her  shortly  answered  :  "  Fair  martial  maid, 
Certes 12  ye  misavised  13  been  t'  upbraid 
A  gentle  14  knight  with  so  unknightly  blame  : 

1  Card,  chart.  7  Wreak,  revenge. 

2  Greater  Britain.    Church  says  8  Arthegall ;  it  has  seemed  best 
that  this  means  Wales,  and  is  so  to   follow  the  original    and  keep 
called  to  distinguish  it  from  Lesser  the  two  forms,  Arthegall  and  Arte- 
Brittany  in  France.     Fairy   Land  gall. 

is  England  proper.     Hillard.  g  Hight,  is  called. 

8  Won,  dwell.  10  Missaid,  said  wrongly. 

4  Fond,  found.  n  Ere  the  fall,   i.e.   before  the 

6  Worth   and  worship,    distinc-  words  had  fallen  from  her  mouth, 

tion  and  honor.  12  Certes,  certainly. 

6  Mote  I  weet  of  you,  may  I  learn  13  Misavised,  inconsiderate, 

of  you.  H  Gentle,  noble. 


BRITOMART.  .  29 

For,  weet1  ye  well,  of  all  that  ever  played 

At  tilt  or  tourney,  or  like  warlike  game, 

The  noble  Arthegall  hath  ever  borne  the  name.2 

10  "Forthy3  great  wonder  were  it,  if  such  shame 
Should  ever  enter  in  his  bounteous4  thought, 
Or  ever  do  that  mote  deserven  blame5: 

The  noble  corage6  never  weeneth7  aught 

That  may  unworthy  of  itself  be  thought. 

Therefore,  fair  damsel,  be  ye  well  aware, 

Lest  that  too  far  ye  have  your  sorrow  sought 8  : 

You  and  your  country  both  I  wish  welfare, 

And  honour  both ;  for  each  of  other  worthy  are." 

1 1  The  royal  maid  woxe9  inly  wondrous  glad, 
To  hear  her  love  so  highly  magnified ; 
And  joyed  that  ever  she  affixed  had 

Her  heart  on  knight  so  goodly  glorified, 
However  finely 10  she  it  feigned  to  hide. 


12  But  to  occasion  him  to  further  talk, 

To  feed  her  humour  with  his  pleasing  style, 
Her  list u  in  stryfull 12  terms  with  him  to  balk,13 

1  Weet,  know.  8  Lest  that  too  far  ye  have  your 

2  Name,  i.e.  of  "gentle  knight."  sorrow  sought,  i.e.  lest   you  have 

3  Forthy,  therefore.  cause  to  repent  of  your  rashness 
*  Bounteous,  good,  noble.  in  seeking  to  avenge  an  imaginary 

5  Or  ever  do  that  mote  deserven       wrong. 

blame,  i.e.  or  if  he  should  ever  do  9  Woxe,  became, 

that  for  which  he  might  deserve  10  Finely,  skilfully, 

blame.  «•  Her  list,  it  pleased  her. 

6  Corage,  heart.  12  Stryfull,  contentious. 

7  Weeneth,  thinketh.  13  Balk,  deal  in  cross-purposes. 


30  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  thus  replied  :  "  However,  sir,  ye  file 

Your  courteous  tongue  his  praises  to  compyle,1 

It  ill  beseems  a  knight  of  gentle  sort, 

Such  as  ye  have  him  boasted,  to  beguile 

A  simple  maid,  and  work  so  heinous  tort,2 

In  shame  of  knighthood,  as  I  largely3  can  report. 

1 3  "  Let  be  therefore  my  vengeance  to  dissuade, 
And  read,4  where  I  that  faytour5  false  may  find." 
"  Ah  !  but  if  reason  fair  might  you  persuade 

To  slake  your  wrath,  and  mollify  your  mind," 

Said  he,  "  perhaps  ye  should  it  better  find  : 

For  hardy  thing  it  is,  to  ween  by  might 

That  man  to  hard  conditions6  to  bind  ; 

Or  ever  hope  to  match  in  equal  fight, 

Whose  prowess'  paragon  7  saw  never  living  wight. 

14  "Ne8  soothlich9  is  it  easy  for  to  read10 
Where  now  on  earth,  or  how,  he  may  be  found  ; 
For  he  ne  wonneth  u  in  one  certain  stead,12 
But  restless  walketh  all  the  world  around, 

Aye  doing  things  that  to  his  fame  redound, 
Defending  ladies'  cause  and  orphans'  right, 
Whereso  he  hears  that  any  doth  confound 
Them  comfortless,  through  tyranny  or  might ; 
So  is  his  sovereign  honour  raised  to  heaven's  height." 

1  Compyle,  heap  up.  7  Whose  prowess1  paragon,   i.e. 

2  Tort,  wrong.  the  like  of  whose  prowess. 
8  Largely,  i.e.  with  full  particu-  8  Ne,  nor. 

lars.  9  Soothlich,  truly. 

4  Read,  declare.  10  Read,  declare,  say. 

6  Faytour,  deceiver.  u  Ne  wonneth,  dwells  not. 

6  Conditions  ;  pronounce  con-di-  12  Stead,  place. 
si-oons. 


BRITOMART.  31 

1 5  His  feeling  words  her  feeble  sense  much  pleased, 
And  softly  sunk  into  her  molten  heart  : 

Heart  that  is  inly  hurt  is  greatly  eased 

With  hope  of  thing  that  may  allegge  1  his  smart ; 

For  pleasing  words  are  like  to  magic  art, 

That  doth  the  charmed  snake  in  slumber  lay : 

Such  secret  ease  felt  gentle  Britomart, 

Yet  list  the  same  efforce  with  feigned  gainsay2:  — 

So  discord  oft  in  music  makes  the  sweeter  lay  :  — 

1 6  And  said  :  "Sir  knight,  these  idle  terms3  forbear; 
And,  sith4  it  is  uneath5  to  find  his  haunt, 

Tell  me  some  marks  by  which  he  may  appear, 
If  chance  I  him  encounter  para  vaunt6; 
For  perdy,7  one  shall  other  slay,  or  daunt  : 
What  shape,  what  shield,  what  arms,  what  steed, 

what  stead,8 

And  whatso  else  his  person  most  may  vaunt." 
All  which  the  Redcross  knight  to  point  aread,9 
And  him  in  every  part  before  her  fashioned. 

1 7  Yet  him  in  every  part  before  she  knew, 
However  list  her  now  her  knowledge  feign,10 
Sith  him  whilom  n  in  Britain  she  did  view, 

1  Allegge,  allay.  6  Paravaunt,  peradventure. 

2  Yet  list  the  same   efforce  with  7  Perdy,  truly. 
feigned  gainsay,  i.e.  yet  it  pleased            8  Stead,  place. 

her   to   restrain   this   feeling   and  9  To  point    aread,   exactly   de- 
assume,  instead,  an  air  of  opposi-  scribed, 
tion.  10  However    list    her    now    her 

3  Idle  terms,  foolish  remarks.  knowledge  feign,  i.e.  notwithstand- 
*  Sith,  since.  ing  the  fact  that  now  she  chose  to 
5  Uneath,  hard.  conceal  her  knowledge. 

11  Whilom,  formerly. 


32  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

To  her  revealed  in  a  mirror  plain  ; 
Whereof  did  grow  her  first  engraffed 1  pain, 
Whose  root  and  stalk  so  bitter  yet  did  taste, 
That,  but  the  fruit  more  sweetness  did  2  contain, 
Her  wretched  days  in  dolour3  she  mote4  waste, 
And  yield,  the  prey  of  love,  to  loathsome  death  at 
last. 

1 8  By  strange  occasion  she  did  him  behold, 

And  much  more  strangely  gan5  to  love  his  sight, 
As  it  in  books  hath  written  been  of  old. 
In  Deheubarth,  that  now  South- Wales  is  hight.6 
What  time  King  Ryence  reigned  and  dealed  right, 
The  great  magician  Merlin  had  devised, 
By  his  deep  science  and  hell-dreaded  might, 
A  looking-glass,  right  wondrously  aguised,7 
Whose  virtues  through  the  wide  world  soon  were 
solemnized.8 

19  It  virtue9  had  to  show  in  perfect  sight 
Whatever  thing  was  in  the  world  contained, 
Betwixt  the  lowest  earth  and  heaven's  height, 
So  that 10  it  to  the  looker  appertained  : 
Whatever  foe  had  wrought,  or  friend  had  feigned, 
Therein  discovered  n  was,  ne  aught  mote  pass,12 
Ne  aught  in  secret  from  the  same  remained  ; 

1  Engraffed,  deeply  fixed.  8  Solemnized,  celebrated. 

2  Did,  i.e.  should.  9  Virtue,  power. 

8  Dolour,  grief.  10  So  that,  provided  that. 

4  Mote,  must.  n  Discovered,       revealed,      dis- 

6  Gan,  began.  played. 

6  Hight,  called.  12  Ne  aught  mote  pass,  i.e.  nothing 

7  Aguised,  fashioned.  could  escape  notice. 


BRITOMART.  33 

Forthy1  it  round  and  hollow  shaped  was, 
Like  to  the  world  itself,  and  seemed  a  world  of 
glass. 

20  Who  wonders  not,  that  reads  2  so  wondrous  work  ? 
But  who  does  wonder,  that  has  read  the  tow'r 
Wherein  th'  Egyptian  Phao  3  long  did  lurk 

From  all  men's  view,  that  none  might  her  discoure,4 
Yet  she  might  all  men  view  out  of  her  bow'r  ? 
Great  Ptolomaee5  it  for  his  leman's6  sake 
Ybuilded  all  of  glass,  by  magic  pow'r, 
And  also  it  impregnable  did  make ; 
Yet,  when  his  love  was  false,  he  with  a  peaze 7  it 
brake. 

21  Such  was  the  glassy  globe  that  Merlin  made, 
And  gave  unto  King  Ryence  for  his  guard,8 
That  never  foes  his  kingdom  might  invade, 
But  he  it  knew  at  home  before  he  hard9 
Tidings  thereof,  and  so  them  still 10  debarred  : 
It  was  a  famous  present  for  a  prince, 

And  worthy  work  of  infinite  reward, 

That  treasons  could  bewray,11  and  foes  convince12: 

Happy  this  realm,  had  it  remained  ever  since ! 

1  Forthy,  therefore.  *  Discoure,  discover. 

2  Reads,  reads  of.  5  Ptolomae,  Ptolemy. 
8  The  tmtfr  -wherein  tK1  Egyptian  6  Leman's,  love's. 

Phao,  etc.   The  tower  alluded  to  is  7  Peaze,  blow, 

probably  the   Pharos  of  Ptolemy  8  Guard,  protection. 

Philadelphus.     Spenser    had    evi-  9  Hard,  heard, 

dently  read  some  mediaeval  legend  10  Still,  always, 

that    confused    matters.      (From  n  Bewray,  reveal. 

Prof.  Child's  note.)  12  Convince,  conquer. 


34  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

22  One  day  it  fortuned  fair  Britomart 
Into  her  father's  closet l  to  repair  ; 

For  nothing  he  from  her  reserved  apart, 
Being  his  only  daughter  and  his  heir  ; 
Where  when  she  had  espied  that  mirror  fair, 
Herself  awhile  therein  she  viewed  in  vain  : 
Tho,2  her  avising  3  of  the  virtues  rare 
Which  thereof  spoken  were,  she  gan  again 
Her  to  bethink  of  that  mote4  to  herself  pertain. 

23  But  as  it  falleth,6  in  the  gentlest  hearts 
Imperious  Love  hath  highest  set  his  throne, 
And  tyrannizeth  in  the  bitter  smarts 

Of  them,  that  to  him  buxom  6  are  and  prone : 
So  thought  this  maid  (as  maidens  use  to  done7) 
Whom  fortune  for  her  husband  would  allot ; 


24  Eftsoones8  there  was  presented  to  her  eye 
A  comely  knight,  all  armed  in  complete  wise, 
Through  whose  bright  ventail,9  lifted  up  on  high, 
His  manly  face,  that  did  his  foes  agrise 10 
And  friends  to  terms  of  gentle  truce  entize,11 
Looked  forth,  as  Phoebus' n  face  out  of  the  east 

1  Closet,  small  room  for  retire-  7  Use  to   done,   i.e.   are   in    the 
ment.                                                           habit  of  doing. 

2  Tho,  then.  8  Eftsoones,  immediately. 

8  Avising,  bethinking.  9  Ventail,  the  part  of  the  helmet 

*  Of  that  mote,  of  that  which  which   could   be   lifted    up,  —  the 

might.  beaver. 

5  Falleth,  happeneth.  10  Agrise,  terrify. 

6  Buxom,  yielding.  11  Entize,  entice. 

12  Phoebus,  Apollo,  the  sun  god. 


BRITOMART.  35 

Betwixt  two  shady  mountains  doth  arise  : 
Portly  l  his  person  was,  and  much  increased 
Through  his  heroic  grace  and  honorable  gest.2 

25  His  crest  was  covered  with  a  couchant3  hound, 
And  all  his  armour  seemed  of  antique  mould, 
But  wondrous  massy  and  assured  sound, 

And  round  about  yf retted  4  all  with  gold, 
In  which  there  written  was,  with  cyphers5  old, 
Achilles  arms6  which  Artkegall'1  did  win : 
And  on  his  shield  enveloped  sevenfold 
He  bore  a  crowned  little  ermilin,8 
That  decked  the  azure  field  9  with  her  fair  pouldred 10 
skin. 

26  The  damsel  well  did  view  his  personage, 
And  liked  well ;  ne  further  fast'ned  not,11 
But  went  her  way ;  ne  her  unguilty  age 
Did  ween,  unwares,  that  her  unlucky  lot 
Lay  hidden  in  the  bottom  of  the  pot  : 

Of  hurt  unwist  ^  most  danger  doth  redound  : 
But  the  false  archer,  which  that  arrow  shot 

1  Portly,  stately.  7  Arthegall   (Arthur's   peer)    is 

2  Gest,  carriage.  meant  for  Arthur,  Lord  Grey  of 

3  Couchant,  lying  down  with  the  Wilton,  and  the  arms  seem  to  be 
head  raised.  devised  in  allusion  to  his  name. 

4  Yfretted,     ornamented     with  Upton. 

raised  work.  8  Ermilin,  ermine. 

5  Cyphers,  characters.  9  Field,  surface  of  the  escutch. 

6  Achilles'  arms.   Achilles  is  the       eon. 

hero   of    Homer's   "  Iliad."      His  10  Pouldred,  spotted, 

arms    were    forged    by    the   god  n  Ne  further  fas  f  ned  not,  i.e.  her 

Hephaestus  or  Vulcan.  thoughts  dwelt  no  more  upon  it. 

12  Unwist,  unknown. 


36  THE  FAERY  QUEEN E. 

So  slyly  that  she  did  not  feel  the  wound, 
Did  smile  full  smoothly  at  her  weetless  1  woful 
stound.2 


27  Thenceforth  the  feather  in  her  lofty  crest, 
Ruffed  3  of  love,  gan  lowly  to  availe 4 ; 

And  her  proud  portance  5  and  her  princely  gest,6 

With  which  she  erst7  triumphed,  now  did' quail  : 

Sad,  solemn,  sour,8  and  full  of  fancies  frail, 

She  woxe9 ;  yet  wist 10  she  nether  how,  nor  why  ; 

She  wist  not,  silly  maid,  what  she  did  ail, 

Yet  wist  she  was  not  well  at  ease,  perdy 11 ; 

Yet  thought  it  was  not  love,  but  some  melancholy. 

28  So  soon  as  night  had  with  her  pallid  hue 
Defaced  the  beauty  of  the  shining  sky, 

And  reft  n  from  men  the  world's  desired  view, 
She  with  her  nurse  adown  to  sleep  did  lie ; 
But  sleep  full  far  away  from  her  did  fly : 
Instead  thereof  sad  sighs  and  sorrows  deep 
Kept  watch  and  ward  about  her  warily, 
That  nought  she  did  but  wail,  and  often  steep 
Her  dainty  couch  with  tears  which  closely 13  she  did 
weep. 

1  Weetless,  unconscious.  7  Erst,  formerly. 

2  Stound,  plight.  8  Sour,  peevish. 
8  Ruffed,  ruffled.                                       9  Woxe,  grew. 

4  Availe,  sink.  10  Wist,  knew. 

8  Portance,  port,  carriage.  n  Perdy,  truly. 

6  Gest,  bearing.  12  Reft,  taken  away. 

18  Closely,  secretly. 


BRITOMART.  37 

29  And  if  that  any  drop  of  slumb'ring  rest 
Did  chance  to  still 1  into  her  weary  sprite,2 
When  feeble  nature  felt  herself  oppressed, 
Straightway  with  dreams,  and  with  fantastic  sight 
Of  dreadful  things,  the  same  was  put  to  flight ; 
That  oft  out  of  her  bed  she  did  astart, 

As  one  with  view  of  ghastly  fiends  affright : 

Tho  gan  3  she  to  renew  her  former  smart, 

And  think  of  that  fair  visage  written  in  her  heart> 

30  One  night,  when  she  was  tossed  with  such  unrest, 
Her  aged  nurse,  whose  name  was  Glauce  hight,4 
Feeling  her  leap  out  of  her  loathed  nest, 
Betwixt  her  feeble  arms  her  quickly  keight,5 
And  down  again  her  in  her  warm  bed  dight 6 : 
"Ah  !  my  dear  daughter,  ah  !  my  dearest  dread,7 
What  uncouth8  fit,"  said  she,  "what  evil  plight, 
Hath  thee  oppressed,  and  with  sad  drearyhead9 
Changed  thy  lively  cheer,10  and  living  made  thee 

dead  ? 

31"  For  not  of  nought  these  sudden  ghastly  fears 
All  night  afflict  thy  natural  repose  ; 
And  all  the  day,  whenas  thine  equal  peers 
Their  fit  disports  with  fair  delight  do  chose,11 
Tljou  in  dull  corners  dost  thyself  inclose ; 

1  Still,  drop.  6  Dight,  placed. 

2  Sprite,  spirit,  mind.  7  Dread,  one  highly  revered. 

3  Tho  gan,  then  began.  8  Uncouth,  strange. 

*  Hight,  called.  9  Drearyhead,  sorrow. 

6  Keight,  caught.  10  Cheer,  countenance. 

11  Chose,  choose. 


38  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Ne  tastest  prince's  pleasures,  ne  dost  spread 
Abroad  thy  fresh  youth's  fairest  flow'r,  but  lose 
Both  leaf  and  fruit,  both  too  untimely  shed, 
As  one  in  wilful  bale1  forever  buried. 

32  "The  time  that  mortal  men  their  weary  cares 
Do  lay  away,  and  all  wild  beasts  do  rest, 
And  every  river  eke  2  his  course  forbears, 
Then  doth  this  wicked  evil  thee  infest, 

And  rive  3  with  thousand  throbs  thy  thrilled 4  breast : 
Like  an  huge  ^Etn' 5  of  deep  engulfed  grief, 
Sorrow  is  heaped  in  thy  hollow  chest, 
Whence  forth  it  breaks  in  sighs  and  anguish  rife, 
As  smoke  and  sulphur  mingled  with  confused  strife. 

33  "Ay  me  !  how  much  I  fear  lest  love  it  be  ! 
But  if  that  love  it  be,  as  sure  I  read  6 

By  knowen  signs  and  passions  which  I  see, 

Be  it  worthy  of  thy  race  and  royal  seed,7 

Then  I  avow,  by  this  most  sacred  head 

Of  my  dear,  foster  child,  to  ease  thy  grief 

And  win  thy  will.     Therefore  away  do  dread 8 ; 

For  death  nor  danger  from  thy  due  relief 

Shall  me  debar  ;  tell  me,  therefore,  my  liefest  lief9!" 

34  So  having  said,  her  twixt  her  armes  twain 
She  straitly10  strained,  and  colled11  tenderly,* 

1  Bale,  sorrow.  6  Read,  declare. 

2  Eke,  likewise.  7  Seed,  race. 

8  Rive,  rend.  8  Away  do  dread,  i.e.  fear  not. 

4  Thrilled,  pierced.  9  Liefest  lief,  dearest  dear. 

5  Ai.tna,  a  volcano  in  Sicily.  10  Straitly,  closely. 

11  Colled,  clasped  about  the  neck. 


BRITOMART.  39 

And  every  trembling  joint  and  every  vein 
She  softly  felt,  and  rubbed  busily, 
To  do 1  the  frozen  cold  away  to  fly  ; 
And  her  fair  dewy  eyes  with  kisses  dear 
She  oft  did  bathe,  and  oft  again  did  dry : 
•  And  ever  her  importuned  not  to  fear 
To  let  the  secret  of  her  heart  to  her  appear. 

35  The  damsel  paused  ;  and  then  thus  fearfully : 
"Ah  !  nurse,  what  needeth  thee  to  eke2  my  pain? 
Is  not  enough  that  I  alone  do  die, 

But  it  must  doubled  be  with  death  of  twain  ? 
For  nought  for  me  but  death  there  doth  remain !" 
"Oh  daughter  dear,"  said  she,  "despair  no  whit  : 
For  never  sore  but  might  a  salve  obtain  : 
That  blinded  god,  which  hath  ye  blindly  smit, 
Another  arrow  hath  your  lover's  heart  to  hit." 

36  "  But  mine  is  not,"  quoth  she,  "like  other  wound  ; 
For  which3  no  reason  can  find  remedy." 

"Was  never  such,  but  mote4  the  like  be  found," 
Said  she  5 ;  "  and  though  no  reason  may  apply 
Salve  to  your  sore,  yet  love  can  higher  stye6 
Then7  reason's  reach,  and  oft  hath  wonders  done." 
ff  But  neither  god  of  love  nor  god  of  sky 
Can  do,"  said  she,  "that  which  cannot  be  done." 
"Things  oft  impossible,"  quoth  she,  "seem,  ere 
begun." 

1  Do,  make.  *  Mote,  might. 

2  Eke,  increase.  8  She,  i.e.  Glauce. 
8  For  which,  i.e.  my  wound  is  6  Stye,  mount. 

one  for  which,  etc.  7  Then,  than. 


40  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

37  "These  idle  words,"  said  she,  "do  not  assuage 
My  stubborn  smart,  but  more  annoyance  breed  : 
For  no,  no  usual  fire,  no  usual  rage 

It  is,  O  nurse,  which  on  my  life  doth  feed, 
And  sucks  the  blood  which  from  my  heart  doth  bleed. 
But  since  thy  faithful  zeal  lets  me  not  hide 
My  crime,  (if  crime  it  be,)  I  will  it  read.1 
Nor  prince  nor  peer  it  is,  whose  love  hath  gryde2 
My  feeble  breast  of  late,  and  launched  3  this  wound 
wide  : 

38  Nor  man  it  is,  nor  other  living  wight ; 

For  then  some  hope  I  might  unto  me  draw  ; 
But  th'  only  shade  and  semblant 4  of  a  knight, 
Whose  shape  or  person  yet  I  never  saw, 
Hath  me  subjected  to  love's  cruel  law  : 
The  same  one  day,  as  me  misfortune  led, 
I  in  my  father's  wondrous  mirror  saw, 
And,  pleased  with  that  seeming  goodlihead,6 
Unwares  the  hidden  hook  with  bait  I  swallowed. 

39  "  Sithens  6  it  hath  infixed  faster  hold 
Within  my  bleeding  bowels,  and  so  sore 
Now  rankleth  in  this  same  frail  fleshly  mould, 
That  all  mine  entrails  flow  with  pois'nous  gore, 
And  th'  ulcer  groweth  daily  more  and  more  ; 
Ne  can  my  running  sore  find  remedy, 

Other  then  my  hard  fortune  to  deplore, 

1  Read,  declare.  *  Semblant,  appearance. 

2  Gryde,  pierced.  6  Goodlihead,  goodliness. 
8  Launched,  pierced  as  with  a  6  Sithens,  since  that  time. 

lance. 


BRITOMART.  41 

And  languish  as  the  leaf  fall'n  from  the  tree, 

Till  death  make  one  end  of  my  days  and  misery  ! " 

40  "  Daughter,"  said  she,  "what  need  ye  be  dismayed  ? 
Or  why  make  ye  such  monster  of  your  mind  ? 

Of  much  more  uncouth 1  thing  I  was  afraid ; 

But  this  affection  nothing  strange  I  find  ; 
For  who  with  reason  can  you  aye  reprove 
To  love  the  semblant  pleasing  most  your  mind, 
And  yield  your  heart  whence  ye  cannot  remove  ? 
No  guilt  in  you,  but  in  the  tyranny  of  love. 

The  nurse  mentioned  some  who  had  loved  wrongly,  and  then  said  :  — 

41  "  But  thine,  my  dear,  (well  fare  thy  heart,  my  dear  !) 
Though  strange  beginning  had,  yet  fixed  is 

On  one  that  worthy  may  perhaps  appear  ; 

And  certes  seems  bestowed  not  amiss  : 

Joy  thereof  have  thou  and  eternal  bliss  !  " 

With  that,  upleaning  on  her  elbow  weak, 

Her  alabaster  breast  she  soft  did  kiss, 

Which  all  that  while  she  felt  to  pant  and  quake, 

As  it  an  earthquake  were  :  at  last  she2  thus  bespake  : 

The  maiden  declared  that  she  had  less  comfort  than  those  who  loved 
wrongly ;  for,  — 

42  •  

"  Short  end  of  sorrows  they  thereby  did  find  ; 
So  was  their  fortune  good,  though  wicked  were 
their  mind. 

1  Uncouth,  strange.  2  She,  i.e.  Britomart. 


42  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

43  "  But  wicked  fortune  mine,  though  mind  be  good, 
Can  have  no  end  nor  hope  of  my  desire, 

But  feed  on  shadows  whiles  I  die  for  food, 
And  like  a  shadow  wex,1  whiles  with  entire 
Affection  I  do  languish  and  expire. 
I,  fonder  then  Cephisus'  foolish  child,2 
Who,  having  viewed  in  a  fountain  shere  3 
His  face,  was  with  the  love  thereof  beguiled  ; 
I,  fonder,  love  a  shade,  the  body  far  exiled." 

44  tf  Nought  like,"  quoth  she  ;  "for  that  same  wretched 

boy 

Was  of  himself  the  idle  paramour, 
Both  love  and  lover,  without  hope  of  joy  ; 
For  which  he  faded  to  a  wat'ry  flower. 
But  better  fortune  thine,  and  better  hour,4 
Which  lov'st  the  shadow  of  a  warlike  knight  ; 
No  shadow,  but  a  body  hath  in  pow'r5 : 
That  body,  wheresoever  that  it  light, 
May  learned  be  by  cyphers,6  or  by  magic  might. 

45  "  But  if  thou  may  with  reason  yet  repress 
The  growing  evil,  ere  it  strength  have  got, 
And  thee  abandoned  wholly  do  possess ; 
Against  it  strongly  strive,  and  yield  thee  not 
Till  thou  in  open  field  adown  be  smott  : 

1  Wex,  wax,  become.  8  Shere,  clear. 

2  Cephisus''  foolish  child,  i.e.  Nar-  *  Hour,  i.e.  lot. 

cissus,  who  fell  in  love  with  his  6  No  shadow,  but  a  body  hath  in 

own  image  reflected  in  a  pool,  and  pow'r,  i.e.  there  is  no  shadow  that 

pined  away   till  he  was    changed  has  not  a  body  belonging  to  it. 
into    the    flower    that    bears    his  6  Cyphers,     characters  ;      here 

name.  magic  characters 


BRITOMART.  43 

But  if  the  passion  mayster 1  thy  frail  might, 

So  that  needs  love  or  death  must  be  thy  lot, 

Then  I  avow  to  thee,  by  wrong  or  right, 

To  compass  thy  desire,  and  find  that  loved  knight." 

46  Her  cheerful  words  much  cheered  the  feeble 

sprite2 

Of  the  sick  virgin,  that  her  down  she  laid 
In  her  warm  bed  to  sleep,  if  that  she  might ; 
And  the  old  woman  carefully  displayed  3 
The  clothes  about  her  round  with  busy  aid ; 
So  that  at  last  a  little  creeping  sleep 
Surprised  her  sense.     She,4  therewith  well  apayed,5 
The  drunken  lamp  down  in  the  oil  did  steep, 
And  sate  her  by  to  watch,  and  sate  her  by  to 

weep. 

47  Early,  the  morrow  next,  before  that  day 
His  joyous  face  did  to  the  world  reveal, 
They  both  uprose  and  took  their  ready  way 
Unto  the  church,  their  prayers  to  appele,6 
With  great  devotion,  and  with  little  zeal : 
For  the  fair  damsel  from  the  holy  herse  7 

Her  love-sick  heart  to  other  thoughts  did  steal ; 
And  that  old  dame  said  many  an  idle  verse 
Out  of  her  daughter's  heart  fond8  fancies  to 
reverse.9 

1  Mayster,  master.  6  Appele,  i.e.  to  prefer,  to  make. 

2  Sprite,  spirit.  7  Herse,   rehearsal   (of  the  ser- 
8  Displayed,  spread.                            vice). 

*  She,  i.e.  Glauce.  8  Fond,  foolish. 

6  Apayed,  satisfied.  9  Reverse,  cause  to  depart. 


44  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

48  Returned  home,  the  royal  infant 1  fell 
Into  her  former  fit  ;  for  why  ?  no  pow'r 
Nor  guidance  of  herself  in  her  did  dwell. 
But  th'  aged  nurse,2  her  calling  to  her  bow'r,3 
Had  gathered  rue,  and  savin,  and  the  flow'r 
Of  camphora,4  and  calamint,5  and  dill  ; 

All  which  she  in  an  earthen  pot  did  pour, 
And  to  the  brim  with  coltwood6  did  it  fill, 
And  many  drops  of  milk  and  blood  through  it  did 
spill. 

49  Then,  taking  thrice  three  hairs  from  off  her  head, 
Them  trebly  braided  in  a  threefold  lace, 

And  round  about  the  pot's  mouth  bound  the  thread  ; 

And,  after  having  whispered  a  space 

Certain  sad 7  words  with  hollow  voice  and  base,8 

She  to  the  virgin  said,  thrice  said  she  it : 

"  Come,  daughter,  come  ;  come,  spit  upon  my  face  ; 

Spit  thrice  upon  me,  thrice  upon  me  spit  ; 

Th'  uneven  number  for  this  business  is  most  fit." 

50  That  said,  her  round  about  she  from  her  turned, 
She  turned  her  contrary  to  the  sun  ; 

Thrice  she  her  turned  contrary,  and  returned 

1  Infant,  the  same  as  infanta ;  8  Bower,  chamber. 

a  title  given  in  Spain  and  Portugal  *  Camphora,  camphor. 

to   all   the   children   of   the  king  5  Calamint,    a  book  name  for 

except  the  eldest.  plants  of  the  genus  calamintha. 

2  But  th"  aged  nurse,  etc.     The  6  Coltwood,    an    old   name   for 
classic  poets,  especially  Theocritus  dittany,     a    plant     of     the    mint 
and  Virgil,  have  supplied  Spenser  family. 

with    the    various     processes    of  ''  Sad,  weighty,  earnest. 

Glauce's  incantation.      Hillard.  8  Base,  low. 


BRITOMART.  45 

All  contrary  ;  for  she  the  right  did  shun  ; 

And  ever  what  she  did  was  straight 1  undone. 

So  thought  she  to  undo  her  daughter's  love : 

But  love,  that  is  in  gentle  breast  begun, 

No  idle  charms  so  lightly  may  remove  ; 

That  well  can  witness,  who  by  trial  it  does  prove. 

5 1   Ne  aught  it  mote  the  noble  maid  avail, 
Ne  slake  the  fury  of  her  cruel  flame, 
But  that  she  still  did  waste,  and  still  did  wail, 
That,    through    long    languor    and    heart-burning 

brame  2 

She  shortly  like  a  pined  3  ghost  became 
Which  long  hath  waited  by  the  Stygian  strond.4 
That  when  old  Glauce  saw,  for  fear  lest  blame 
Of  her  miscarriage  5  should  in  her  be  fond,6 
She  wist 7  not  how  t'  amend,  nor  how  it  to  withstond. 

1  Straight,  immediately.  ing   to    Greek    mythology.     Over 

2  Brame,  desire.  this   river   the  dead   must   go  to 

3  Pined,  tormented.  reach  their  final  habitation. 

4  Stygian  Strond,  the  strand  or  5  Miscarriage,  i.e.  sad  condition, 
shore  of  the   Styx,   the  principal            6  Fond,  found. 

river  of  the  lower  world,  accord-  7  Wist,  knew. 


46 


III. 


Britomart  and  her  nurse  Glauce  visit  Merlin  who  tells  them  of 
Artegall  and  of  the  future.  They  set  out  for  Faeryland  in  the  hope  of 
meeting  Artegall. 

1  MOST  sacred  fire,  that  burnest  mightily 
In  living  breasts,  ykindled  first  above 
Amongst  th'  eternal  spheres  and  lamping J  sky, 
And  thence  poured  into  men,  which  men  call  love  ; 
Not  that  same  which  doth  base  affections  move, 

But  that  sweet  fit 2  that  doth  true  beauty  love, 

And  chooseth  virtue  for  his  dearest  dame, 

Whence  spring  all  noble  deeds  and  never-dying  fame : 

2  Well  did  antiquity  a  god  thee  deem, 

That  over  mortal  minds  hast  so  great  might, 
To  order  them  as  best  to  thee  doth  seem, 
And  all  their  actions  to  direct  aright  : 
The  fatal 3  purpose  of  divine  foresight 
Thou  dost  effect  in  destined  descents, 
Through  deep  impression  of  thy  secret  might, 
And  stirredst  up  th'  heroes  high  intents, 
Which  the  late  world 4  admires  for  wondrous  moni- 
ments.5 

4  The  late  world,  i.e.  men  in  late 

1  Lamping,  shining.  times. 

2  Fit,  passion.  5  Moniments,    monuments,    re- 

3  Fatal,  foreordained.  minders. 


BRITOMART.  47 

3   But  thy  dread  darts  in  none  do  triumph  more, 
Ne  braver  proof  in  any  of  thy  pow'r 
Show'dst  thou,  than  in  this  royal  maid  of  yore, 
Making  her  seek  an  unknown  paramour,1 
From  the  world's  end,  through  many  a  bitter  stowre.2 


4  Begin  then,  O  my  dearest  sacred  dame, 
Daughter  of  Phoebus  and  of  Memory, 
That  dost  ennoble  with  immortal  name 
The  warlike  worthies,  from  antiquity, 
In  thy  great  volume  of  eternity  ; 
Begin,  O  Clio,3  and  recount  from  hence 
My  glorious  sovereign's  goodly  ancestry, 
Till  that  by  due  degrees,  and  long  pretense4 
Thou  have  it  lastly  brought  unto  her  excellence. 

5  Full  many  ways  within  her  troubled  mind 
Old  Glauce  cast5  to  cure  this  lady's  grief  ; 

Full  many  ways  she  sought,  but  none  could  find, 
Nor  herbs,  nor  charms,  nor  counsel  that  is  chief 
And  choicest  med'cine  for  sick  heart's  relief: 
Forthy6  great  care  she  took,7  and  greater  fear, 
Lest  that  it  should  her  turn  to  foul  repriefe  8 
And  sore  reproach,  whenso  her  father  dear 
Should  of  his  dearest  daughter's    hard  misfortune 
hear. 

4  Pretense,  extension. 

1  Paramour,  lover.  5  Cast,  planned. 

2  Stowre,  peril.  6  Forthy,  therefore. 

8  Clio,    the   muse    of    history  ;  7  Great  care  she   took,   i.e.  she 

more  commonly  spoken  of  as  the       felt  great  concern, 
daughter  of  Zeus  and  Mnemosyne.  8  Repriefe,  reproof. 


48  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

6  At  last  she  her  avised,1  that  he  which  made 
That  mirror,  wherein  the  sick  damosel 

So  strangely  viewed  her  strange  lover's  shade, 

To  weet,  the  learned  Merlin,  well  could  tell 

Under  what  coast  of  heaven  the  man  did  dwell, 

And  by  what  means  his  love  might  best  be  wrought2: 

For,  though  beyond  the  Af ric  Ismae'l 3 

Or  th'  Indian  Peru  he  were,  she  thought 

Him  forth  through  infinite  endeavour  to  have  sought. 

7  Forthwith  themselves  disguising  both  in  strange 
And  base  attire,  that  none  might  them  bewray,4 
To  Maridunum,  that  is  now  by  change 

Of  name  Cayr-Merdin  5  called,  they  took  their  way : 
There  the  wise  Merlin  whilom6  wont  (they  say) 
To  make  his  wonne,7  low  underneath  the  ground 
In  a  deep  delve,8  far  from  the  view  of  day, 
That  of  no  living  wight  he  mote  9  be  found, 
Whenso  he  counselled  with  his  sprites  encompassed 
round. 

8  And,  if  thou  ever  happen  that  same  way 
To  travel,  go  to  see  that  dreadful  place : 
It  is  an  hideous  hollow  cave  (they  say) 
Under  a  rock  that  lies  a  little  space 

1  Avised,  bethought.  4  Bewray,  discover. 

2  Wrought,  produced,  effected ;  6  Cayr-Merdin,  i.e.   the  city  of 
a  peculiar  use  of  the  word.                    Merdin  or  Merlin,  is  Caermarthen, 

8  Afric  Ismae'l,  i.e.  the  northern       in  South  Wales.     Prof.  Child, 
part  of  Africa,  inhabited  by  Moors  6  Whilom,  formerly, 

and  others,  supposed    to    be   the  "  Wonne,  dwelling, 

descendants  of  Ishmael.  8  Delve,  dell. 

9  Mote,  might. 


BRITOMART.  49 

From  the  swift  Barry,  tumbling  down  apace 
Amongst  the  woody  hills  of  Dynevowre  : 
But  dare  thou  not,  I  charge,  in  any  case, 
To  enter  into  that  same  baleful  bow'r,1 
For  fear  the  cruel  fiends  should  thee  unwares 
devour  : 

9  But,  standing  high  aloft,  low  lay  thine  ear, 
And  there  such  ghastly  noise  of  iron  chains 
And  brazen  caudrons2  thou  shalt  rumbling  hear, 
Which  thousand  sprites  with  long  enduring  pains 
Do  toss,  that  it  will  stun  thy  feeble  brains  ; 
And  oftentimes  great  groans,  and  grievous  stownds,3 
When  too  huge  toil  and  labour  them  constrains  ; 
And  oftentimes  loud  strokes  and  ringing  sounds 
From   under  that  deep  rock  most   horribly   re- 
bounds. 

10  The  cause,  some  say,  is  this:   a  little  while 
Before  that  Merlin  died,  he  did  intend 
A  brazen  wall  in  compass  to  compile4 
About  Cairmardin,  and  did  it  commend 
Unto  these  sprites  to  bring  to  perfect  end  : 
During  which  work  the  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
Whom  long  he  loved,  for  him  in  haste  did  send  ; 
Who,  thereby  forced  his  workmen  to  forsake, 
Them   bound,   till   his  return,  their  labour  not  to 
slake.5 

8  Stownds,  times  ;  here  may  be 

1  Bower,  chamber.  noises. 

2  Caudrons,  caldrons.  4  Compile,  construct. 

6  Slake,  slacken. 


50  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

1 1  In  the  meantime,  through  that  false  lady's  traine  l 
He  was  surprised,  and  buried  under  bier, 

Ne  ever  to  his  work  returned  again2: 

Natheless  those  fiends  may  not  their  work  forbear, 

So  greatly  his  commandement  they  fear, 

But  there  do  toil  and  travail  day  and  night, 

Until  that  brazen  wall  they  up  do  rear : 

For  Merlin  had  in  magic  more  insight 

Than  ever  him  before  or  after  living  wight  : 

12  For  he  by  words  could  call  out  of  the  sky 
Both  sun  and  moon,  and  make  them  him  obey  ; 
The  land  to  sea,  and  sea  to  mainland  dry, 
And  darksome  night  he  eke  could  turn  to  day  ; 
Huge  hosts  of  men  he  could  alone  dismay, 

And  hosts  of  men  of  meanest  things  could  frame, 
Whenso  him  list  his  enemies  to  fray3: 
That  to  this  day  for  terror  of  his  fame, 
The  fiends  do  quake  when  any  him  to  them  does 
name. 

13  They,  here  arriving,  stayed  awhile  without, 
Ne  durst  adventure  rashly  in  to  wend, 

But  of  their  first  intent  gan  make  new  doubt, 
For  dread  of  danger,  which  it  might  portend: 
Until  the  hardy  maid  (with  love  to  friend) 
First  entering,  the  dreadful  mage4  there  found 
Deep  busied  'bout  work  of  wondrous  end, 

1  Traine,  artifice.  "  Vivien  "   in    the  "  Idylls  of   the 

2  He  was  surprised,  and  buried       King." 

under    bier,    etc.      See    Malory's  8  fray,  terrify. 

"  Morte  d'Arthur  "  and  Tennyson's  *  Mage,  magician. 


BRITOMART.  51 

And  writing  strange  characters  in  the  ground, 
With  which  the  stubborn  fiends  he  to  his  service 
bound. 

14  He  nought  was  moved  at  their  entrance  bold, 
For  of  their  coming  well  he  wist l  afore  ; 
Yet  list  them  bid  2  their  business  to  unfold, 
As  if  ought  in  this  world  in  secret  store 
Were  from  him  hidden,  or  unknown  of  yore. 
Then  Glauce  thus :    "  Let  not  it  thee  offend, 
That  we  thus  rashly  through  thy  darksome  door 
Unwares  have  pressed  ;  for  either  fatal  end,3 
Or  other  mighty  cause,  us  two  did  hether  send." 

1 5  He  bade  tell  on  ;  and  then  she  thus  began : 

"  Now  have  three  moons  with  borrowed  brother's 

light 

Thrice  shined  fair,  and  thrice  seemed  dim  and  wan, 
Sith  4  a  sore  evil,  which  this  virgin  bright    • 
Tormenteth  and  doth  plunge  in  doleful  plight, 
First  rooting  took  ;  but  what  thing  it  mote5  be, 
Or  whence  it  sprong,  I  cannot  read  6  aright : 
But  this  I  read,  that,  but  if7  remedy 
Thou  her  afford,  full  shortly  I  herdead  shall  see." 

1 6  Therewith  th'  enchanter  softly  gan  to  smile 
At  her  smooth  speeches,  weeting8  inly  well 

1  Wist,  knew.  4  Sith,  since. 

2  Yet  list  them  bid,   i.e.  Yet  it  5  Mote,  may. 
pleased  him  to  bid  them.  6  Read,  declare. 

8  Fatal  end,   some  purpose  of  7  But  if,  unless, 

the  Fates.  8  Weeting,  knowing. 


52  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  she  to  him  dissembled  womanish  guile, 
And  to  her  said :    "  Beldame,  by  that  ye  tell, 
More  need  of  leech-craft l  hath  your  damosel, 
Then  of  my  skill :   who  help  may  have  elsewhere, 
In  vain  seeks  wonders  out  of  magic  spell." 
Th'  old  woman  woxe2  half   blank  those  words  to 

hear  ; 
And  yet  was  loath  to  let  her  purpose  plain  appear  ; 

17  And  to  him  said:    "If  any  leech's  skill, 

Or  other  learned  means,  could  have  redressed 
This  my  dear  daughter's  deep-engraff ed  3  ill, 
Certes  I  should  be  loath  thee  to  molest : 
But  this  sad  evil,  which  doth  her  infest, 
Doth  course  of  natural  cause  far  exceed, 
And  housed  is  within  her  hollow  breast, 
That  either  seems  some  cursed  witch's  deed, 
Or  evil   sprite,4  that    in   her   doth    such    torment 
'breed." 

1 8  The  wizard  could  no  longer  bear  her  bord,6 
But,  bursting  forth  in  laughter,  to  her  said  : 
"  Glauce,  what  needs  this  colourable6  word 

To  cloke  the  cause  that  hath  itself  bewrayed 7  ? 
Ne  ye,  fair  Britomartis,  thus  arrayed, 
More  hidden  are  then  sun  in  cloudy  vele8; 
Whom  thy  good  fortune,  having  fate  obeyed, 

1  Leech-craft,  physician's  skill.  5  Bord,  trifling. 

2  Woxe,  became.  6  Colourable,  specious. 

8  Deep-engraffed,  deeply  fixed.  7  Bewrayed,  betrayed,  revealed. 

4  Sprite,  spirit.  8  Vele,  veil. 


BRITOMART.  53 

Hath  hether  brought  for  succour  to  appeal  ; 

The  which  the  pow'rs  to  thee  are  pleased  to  reveal." 

19  The  doubtful 1  maid,  seeing  herself  descried, 
Was  all  abashed,  and  her  pure  ivory 

Into  a  clear  carnation  sudden  dyed  ; 

But  her  old  nurse  was  nought  disheartened, 

But  vantage  made  of  that  which  Merlin  had  aread2; 

20  And  said  :  "  Sith  then  thou  knowest  all  our  grief, 
(For  what  dost  not  thou  know  ?)  of  grace  I  pray, 
Pity  our  plaint,  and  yield  us  meet3  relief  !" 
With  that  the  prophet  still  awhile  did  stay, 

And  then  his  spirit  thus  gan  forth  display : 
"  Most  noble  virgin,  that  by  fatal  lore 
Hast  learned  to  love,  let  no  whit  thee  dismay 
The  hard  begin  that  meets  thee  in  the  door, 
And  with  sharp  fits  thy  tender  heart   oppresseth 
sore: 

21  "  For  so  must  all  things  excellent  begin  ; 
And  eke  enrooted  deep  must  be  that  tree, 
Whose  big  embodied  branches  shall  not  lin4 
Till  they  to  heaven's  height  forth  stretched  be. 
For  from  thy  womb  a  famous  progeny 

Shall  spring  out  of  the  ancient  Trojan  blood,5 

1  Doubtful,    fearful,    apprehen-  5  Trojan    blood ;     Brutus,    the 
sive.                                                            mythical  founder  of  Britain,  was 

2  Aread,  declared.  the  great-grandson  of  ^Eneas   of 
*  Meet,  fit.  Troy. 

4  Lin,  stop. 


54  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Which  shall  revive  the  sleeping  memory 
Of  those  same  antique  peers,  the  heaven's  brood, 
Which  Greek  and  Asian  rivers  stained  with  their 
blood. 

22  "  Renowmed  1  kings,  and  sacred  emperors, 
Thy  fruitful  offspring,  shall  from  thee  descend  ; 
Brave  captains,  and  most  mighty  warriors, 

That  shall  their  conquests  through  all  lands  extend, 
And  their  decayed  kingdoms  shall  amend : 
The  feeble  Britons,  broken  with  long  war, 
They  shall  uprear,  and  mightily  defend 
Against  their  foreign  foe  that  comes  from  far, 
Till  universal  peace  compound  all  civil  jar. 

23  "  It  was  not,  Br-itomart,  thy  wand'ring  eye 
Glancing  unwares  in  charmed  looking-glass, 
But  the  straight  course  of  heavenly  destiny, 
Led  with  eternal  Providence,  that  has 
Guided  thy  glance,  to  bring  His  will  to  pass: 
Ne  is  thy  fate,  ne  is  thy  fortune  ill, 

To  love  the  prowest 2  knight  that  ever  was : 
Therefore  submit  thy  ways  unto  His  will, 
And  do,  by  all  due  means,  thy  destiny  fulfill." 

24  "  But  read,"  3  said  Glauce,  "  thou  magician,4 
What  means  shall  she  out-seek,  or  what  ways  take  ? 
How  shall  she  know,  how  shall  she  find  the  man  ? 
Or  what  needs  her  to  toil,  sith  Fates  can  make 

1  Renowmed,  renowned.  4  Magician  ;   last   syllable   pro- 

2  Prowest,  most  valiant.  nounced  as  two  syllables. 
8  Read,  declare. 


BRITOMART.  55 

Way  for  themselves,  their  purpose  to  pertake1?  " 
Then  Merlin  thus  :  "  Indeed  the  Fates  are  firm, 
And  may  not  shrink,  though  all  the  world  do  shake  : 
Yet  ought  men's  good  endeavours  them  confirm, 
And  guide  the  heavenly  causes  to  their  constant 
term.2 

25   "The  man  whom  heavens  have  ordained  to  be 
The  spouse  of  Britomart,  is  Arthegall  : 
He  wonneth3  in  the  land  of  Faery, 
Yet  is  no  faery  born,  ne  sib  4  at  all 
To  elfes,  but  sprong  of  seed  terrestrial, 
And  whilom  by  false  faeries  stol'n  away, 
Whiles  yet  in  infant  cradle  he  did  crawl  ; 


26  "  But  sooth  5  he  is  the  son  of  Gorloi's,6 
And  brother  unto  Cador,  Cornish  king ; 
And  for  his  warlike  feats  renowmed  is, 
From  where  the  day  out  of  the  sea  doth  spring, 
Until  the  closure  of  the  evening  : 
From  thence  him,  firmly  bound  with  faithful  band, 
To  this  his  native  soil  thou  back  shalt  bring, 
Strongly  to  aid  his  country  to  withstand 
The  pow'r  of  foreign  paynims 7  which  invade  thy 
land. 

1  Pertake,  partake;    a   peculiar  3  Wonneth,  dwelleth. 
use  of  the  word ;    seems  here  to  *  Sib,  kinsman, 
signify  carry  out.  5  Sooth,  truly. 

2  Constant  term,  fixed  conclu-  6  Gorlois,  the  Duke  of  Cornwall, 
sion.  7  Paynims,  pagans,  infidels. 


56  THE   FAERY   QUEENE. 

Merlin  then  told  Britomart  something  of  the  mythical  history  of  the 
Britons  and  of  their  unsuccessful  struggle  against  the  Saxons  ;  con- 
cluding as  follows  :  — 

27  "Then  woe,  and  woe,  and  everlasting  woe, 
Be  to  the  Briton  babe  that  shall  be  born 
To  live  in  thraldom  of  his  father's  foe  ! 

Late  king,  now  captive  ;  late  lord,  now  forlorn ; 
The  world's  reproach  ;  the  cruel  victor's  scorn  ; 
Banished  from  princely  bow'r  to  wasteful  wood ! 
O,  who  shall  help  me  to  lament  and  mourn 
The  royal  seed,1  the  antique  Trojan2  blood, 
Whose  empire  lenger  here  than  ever  any  stood !" 

28  The  damsel  was  full  deep  empassioned 
Both  for  his  grief  and  for  her  people's  sake, 
Whose  future  woes  so  plain  he  fashioned  ; 
And,  sighing  sore,  at  length  him  thus  bespake : 
"  Ah  !  but  will  heaven's  fury  never  slake, 

Nor  vengeance  huge  relent  itself  at  last  ? 
Will  not  long  misery  late  mercy  make, 
But  shall  their  name  for  ever  be  defaced, 
And   quite  from   off  the   earth    their    memory  be 
raste3?" 

29  "  Nay,  but  the  term,"  said  he,  "  is  limited, 
That  in  this  thraldom  Britons  shall  abide ; 
And  the  just  revolution  measured 

That  they  as  strangers  shall  be  notified4: 

For  twice  four  hundred  years  shall  be  supplied, 

1  Seed,  race.  8  Raste,  erased. 

2  Trojan,  refers  to  Trojan  set-  *  Notified,  marked, 
tlement  of  Britain.                                        ^Supplied,  fulfilled. 


BRITOMART.  57 

Ere  they  to  former  rule  restored  shall  be, 
And  their  importune1  fates  all  satisfied  : 
Yet,  during  this  their  most  obscurity, 
Their  beams  shall  oft  break  forth,  that  men  them 
fair  may  see. 

30  "  For  Rhodorick,2  whose  surname  shall  be  Great, 
Shall  of  himself  a  brave  ensample  show, 

That  Saxon  kings  his  friendship  shall  intreat ; 
And  Howell  Dha3  shall  goodly  well  indew 
The  salvage4  minds  with  skill  of  just  and  true  : 
Then  Griffyth  Conan5  also  shall  uprear 
His  dreaded  head,  and  the  old  sparks  renew 
Of  native  courage,  that  his  foes  shall  fear 
Lest  back  again  the  kingdom  he  from  them  should 
bear. 

31  "Ne  shall  the  Saxons  selves  all  peaceably 
Enjoy  the  crown,  which  they  from  Britons  won 
First  ill,  and  after  ruled  wickedly  : 

For,  ere  two  hundred  years  be  full  outrun, 

There  shall  a  raven,6  far  from  rising  sun, 

With  his  wide  wings  upon  them  fiercely  fly, 

And  bid  his  faithless  chickens7  overrun 

The  fruitful  plains,  and  with  fell  cruelty 

In  their  avenge  tread  down  the  victor's  surquedry.8 

1  Importune,  troublesome.  6  Griffyth  Conan  died  in  1 136. 

2  Roderick  the  Great  began   to  6  Raven,  i.e.  the  leader  of  the 
reign  in  Wales  in  843.  Danes. 

3  Howell  Dha  died  about  948.  7  Faithless  chickens,  i.e.  his  hea- 

4  Salvage,  wild,  woodland.  then  brood. 

8  Surquedry,  insolence. 


58  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

32  "  Yet  shall  a  third  both  these  and  thine  subdue  : 
There  shall  a  lion 1  from  the  sea-board  wood 

Of  Neustria2  come  roaring,  with  a  crew 
Of  hungry  whelps,  his  battailous3  bold  brood, 
Whose  claws  were  newly  dipped  in  cruddy4  blood, 
That  from  the  Daniske5  tyrant's  head  shall  rend 
Th'  usurped  crown,  as  if  that  he  were  wood,6 
And  the  spoil  of  the  country  conquered 
Amongst  his  young  ones  shall  divide  with  bounty- 
head.7 

33  "Tho,8  when  the  term  is  full  accomplishid, 
There  shall  a  spark  of  fire,  which  hath  longwhile 
Been  in  his  ashes  raked  up  and  hid, 

Be  freshly  kindled  in  the  fruitful  isle 

Of  Mona,9  where  it  lurked  in  exile10; 

Which  shall  break  forth  into  bright  burning  flame, 

And  reach  into  the  house  that  bears  the  style 

Of  royal  majesty  and  sovereign  name  : 

So  shall  the  Briton  blood  their  crown  again  reclaim.11 

1  There  shall  a  lion,  etc.     This  10  There    shall    a    spark,     etc. 
is  William  of  Normandy.  Llewellyn,  the  last  of  the  native 

2  Neustria  was  the  ancient  name  Welsh    princes,    made   an    unsuc- 
of  the  northwest  part  of  France.  cessful   resistance   to    Edward   I., 
Hillard.  and  was  defeated  and  slain.     Ed- 

8  Battailous,  eager  for  battle.  ward  soon  after  created  his  own 

4  Cruddy,  curdled.  infant  son  Prince  of  Wales.     Hil- 

6  Daniske,  Danish.  lard. 

6  Wood,  mad.  n  So  shall  the  Briton  blood  their 

7  Bounty  head,  generosity.  crown  again  reclaim.     By  the  ac- 

8  Tho,  then.  cession  of  Henry  of  Richmond  to 

9  Mona,  the  island  now  called  the  crown.   Henry,  descended  from 
Anglesey.  the  Tudors,    was  born    in  Mona, 

now  called  Anglesey.     Upton. 


BRI7VMART.  59 

34  "Thenceforth  eternal  union  shall  be  made 
Between  the  nations  different  afore, 
And  sacred  peace  shall  lovingly  persuade 
The  warlike  minds  to  learn  her  goodly  lore, 
And  civil  arms  to  exercise  no  more : 
Then  shall  a  royal  virgin  reign,  which  shall 
Stretch  her  white  rod  over  the  Belgic  shore, 
And  the  great  Castle  smite  so  sore  withal, 

That  it  shall  make  him  shake,   and  shortly  learn 
to  fall1: 

35  "  But  yet  the  end  is  not  -         There  Merlin  stayed, 
As  overcomen  of  the  Spirit's  pow'r, 

Or  other  ghastly  spectacle  dismayed, 
That  secretly  he  saw,  yet  note  discoure2: 
Which  sudden  fit  and  half  ecstatic  stoure3 
When  the  two  fearful  women  saw,  they  grew 
Greatly  confused  in  behaviour  : 
At  last,  the  fury  past,  to  former  hue 
He  turned  again,  and  cheerful  looks  as  erst4  did 
show. 

36  Then,  when  themselves  they  well  instructed  had 
Of  all  that  needed  them  to  be  inquired, 

They  both,  conceiving  hope  of  comfort  glad, 
With  lighter  hearts  unto  their  home  retired  ; 

1  Then    shall   a    royal   virgin  2  Note  discoure,  might  not  dis- 

reign,  etc.     This  is  Queen  Eliza-  close, 
beth,    who    assisted    the    Belgian  8  Stoure,  paroxysm, 

provinces,  and  shook  the  power  of  *  Erst,  at  first, 

the  king  of  Castile.     Prof.  Child. 


60  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Where  they  in  secret  counsel  close1  conspired, 
How  to  effect  so  hard  an  enterprize, 
And  to  possess  the  purpose  they  desired  : 
Now  this,  now  that,  twixt  them  they  did  devise, 
And  diverse  plots  did  frame  to  mask  in  strange 
disguise. 

37  At  last  the  nurse  in  her  fool-hardy  wit 
Conceived  a  bold  device,  and  thus  bespake : 

"  Daughter,  I  deem  that  counsel  aye  most  fit, 
That  of  the  time  doth  due  advantage  take  : 
Ye  see  that  good  King  Uther2  now  doth  make 
Strong  war  upon  the  paynim  brethren,  hight3 
Octa  and  Oza,  whom  he  lately  brake 
Beside  Cayr  Verolame4  in  victorious  fight, 
That  now  all  Brittany  doth  burn  in  armes  bright. 

38  "That  therefore  nought  our  passage  may  impeach,5 
Let  us  in  feigned  arms  ourselves  disguise, 

And  our  weak  hands  (need  makes  good  scholars)  teach 
The  dreadful  spear  and  shield  to  exercise  : 
Ne  certes,6  daughter,  that  same  warlike  wise, 
I  ween,7  would  you  mis-seem8;  for  ye  been  tall 
And  large  of  limb  t'  achieve  an  hard  emprise9; 
Ne  ought  ye  want  but  skill,  which  practice  small 
Will  bring,  and  shortly  make  you  a  maid  martial. 

1  Close,  secretly.  5  Impeach,  prevent. 

2  Uther,    a   Welsh    king    who  6  Ne  certes,  nor  certainly, 
lived  just  before  Arthur.  7  Ween,  think. 

3  Hight,  called.  8  Mis-seem,  misbecome. 

4  Cayr  Verolame,  i.e.  the  city  of  9  Emprise,  undertaking. 
Verulam. 


BRITOMART.  61 

39  "  And,  sooth,1  it  ought  your  courage  much  inflame 
To  hear  so  often,  in  that  royal  house, 

From  whence  to  none  inferior  ye  came, 

Bards  tell  of  many  women  valorous, 

Which  have  full  many  feats  adventurous 

Performed,  in  paragon2  of  proudest  men  : 

The  bold  Bunduca,3  whose  victorious 

Exploits  made  Rome  to  quake  ;   stout  Guendolen  4  ; 

Renowmed  Martia5;    and  redoubted  Emmilen6;  — 

40  "  And,  that  which  more  then  all  the  rest  may  sway, 
Late  days'  ensample,  which  these  eyes  beheld  : 

In  this  last  field  before  Menevia,7 

Which  Uther  with  those  foreign  Pagans  held, 

I  saw  a  Saxon  virgin,8  the  which  felled 

Great  Ulfin9  thrice  upon  the  bloody  plain  ; 

And,  had  not  Carados10  her  hand  withheld 

From  rash  revenge,  she  had  him  surely  slain  ; 

Yet  Carados  himself  from  her  escaped  with  pain." 

41  "Ah!     read,"11    quoth    Britomart,    "how    is    she 

hight12?" 
"  Fair  Angela,"  quoth  she,  "  men  do  her  call, 

1  Sooth,  truly.  6  Emmilen.     Who  Emmilen  is, 

2  Paragon,  rivalry.  is  uncertain.     Prof.  Child. 

8  Bunduca,    Boadicea,    who  7  Menevia,  St.  David's,  a  very 

headed  a  revolt  against  the  Ro-  old  episcopal  city  in  Wales, 
mans.     She  died  62  A.D.        •  8  A  Saxon  virgin.     This  Saxon 

4  Guendolen,  wife   of    Locrine,  virgin    is,    I    believe,    entirely   of 
a  fabulous  king  of  ancient  Britain.  Spenser's  own  feigning.     Upton. 

5  Martia,    the     lawgiver    men-  9  Ulfin,       \  names  taken  from 
tioned  in  Geoffrey  of  Monmouth's            10  Carados,  J  old  Welsh  stories, 
history.                                                            »  Read,  tell. 

12  Hight,  called. 


62  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

No  whit  less  fair  then  terrible  in  fight : 
She  hath  the  leading  of  a  martial 
And  mighty  people,  dreaded  more  then  all 
The  other  Saxons,  which  do,  for  her  sake 
And  love,  themselves  of  her  name  Angles  call. 
Therefore,  fair  infant,  her  ensample  make 
Unto  thyself,  and  equal  courage  to  thee  take." 

42  Her  hearty  words  so  deep  into  the  mind 

Of  the  young  damsel  sunk,  that  great  desire 
Of  warlike  arms  in  her  forthwith  they  tined,1 
And  generous  stout  courage  did  inspire, 
That  she  resolved,  unweeting2  to  her  sire, 
Advent'rous  knighthood  on  herself  to  don  ; 
And  counselled  with  her  nurse  her  maid's  attire 
To  turn  into  a  massy  habergeon3; 
And  bade  her  all  things  put  in  readiness  anon. 

43  Th'  old  woman  nought  that  needed  did  omit ; 
But  all  things  did  conveniently  purvey. 

It  fortuned  (so  time  their  turn  did  fit) 

A  band  of  Britons,  riding  on  forray 

Few  days  before,  had  gotten  a  great  prey 

Of  Saxon  goods  ;  amongst  the  which  was  seen 

A  goodly  armour,  and  full  rich  array, 

Which  longed  to  Angela,  the  Saxon  queen, 

All  fretted  round  with  gold,  and  goodly  well  beseen.4 

44  The  same,  with  all  the  other  ornaments, 
King  Ryence  caused  to  be  hanged  high 

1  Tined,  kindled.  8  Habergeon,  coat  of  mail. 

2  Unweeting,  unknown.  *  Beseen,  appearing. 


BRITOMART.  63 

In  his  chief  ch.urch,  for  endless  moniments 1 
Of  his  success  and  gladful  victory  : 
Of  which  herself  avising  2  readily, 
In  th'  evening  late  old  Glauce  thether  led 
Fair  Britomart,  and,  that  same  armoury 
Down  taking,  her  therein  apparelled 
Well  as  she  might,  and  with  brave3  baldric4  gar- 
nished. 

45  Beside  those  arms  there  stood  a  mighty  spear, 
Which  Bladud5  made  by  magic  art  of  yore, 
And  used  the  same  in  battle  aye  to  bear  ; 
Sith6  which  it  had  been  here  preserved  in  store, 
For  his  great  virtues7  proved  long  afore : 

For  never  wight  so  fast  in  sell8  could  sit, 
But  him  perforce  unto  the  ground  it  bore : 
Both  spear  she  took  and  shield  which  hung  by  it  ; 
Both  spear  and  shield  of  great  pow'r,  for  her  pur- 
pose fit. 

46  Thus  when  she  had  the  virgin  all  arrayed, 
Another  harness  which  did  hang  thereby 
About  herself  she  dight,9  that  the  young  maid 
She  might  in  equal  arms  accompany, 

1  Moniments,    monuments,    re-  '  Sith,  since. 

minders.  7  His   great  virtues,   its    great 

2  Avising,  bethinking.  powers,  properties.      Since  Brito- 
8  Brave,  handsome.  mart  is  the  knight  of  Chastity,  the 
4  -Baldric,   a   broad   belt  worn       sword  must  represent  the  power 

over  one  shoulder.  of  maidenly  purity. 

6  Bladud,  a  legendary  king  of  8  Sell,  saddle. 

England   who   was   said    to   have  9  Dight,  disposed, 

built  the  city  of  Bath. 


64  THE   FAERY  QUEENS. 

And  as  her  squire  attend  her  carefully : 
Tho1  to  their  ready  steeds  they  clomb2  full  light ; 
And  through  back  ways,  that  none  might  them  espy, 
Covered  with  secret  cloud  of  silent  night, 
Themselves  they  forth  conveyed,  and  passed  for- 
ward right. 

47  Ne  rested  they,  till  that  to  Faery-lond 
They  came,  as  Merlin  them  directed  late : 
Where,   meeting  with  this   Redcross    knight,    she 

fond3 

Of  diverse  things  discourses  to  dilate, 
But  most  of  Arthegall  and  his  estate. 
At  last  their  ways  so  fell  that  they  mote  part : 
Then  each  to  other,  well  affectionate, 
Friendship  professed  with  unfeigned  heart : 
The    Redcross    knight    diverst4;    but    forth    rode 

Britomart. 

1  Tho,  then.  3  Fond,  found. 

2  Clomb,  climbed.  *  Diverst,  turned  off. 


IV. 


Britomart  encounters  Marinell.     After  his  defeat,  Marinell  is  carried 
by  his  mother  to  her  chamber  in  the  bottom  of  the  sea. 

1  WHERE  is  the  antique  glory  now  become, 
That  whilom  wont  in  women  to  appear  ? 
Where  be  the  brave  achievements  done  by  some  ? 
Where  be  the  battles,  where  the  shield  and  spear, 
And  all  the  conquests  which  them  high  did  rear, 
That  matter  made  for  famous  poets'  verse, 

And  boastful  men  so  oft  abashed  to  hear  ? 

Been  they  all  dead,  and  laid  in  doleful  hearse  1  ? 

Or  doen  2  they  only  sleep,  and  shall  again  reverse  3  ? 

2  If  they  be  dead,  then  woe  is  me  therefore ; 
But  if  they  sleep,  O  let  them  soon  awake  ! 
For  all  too  long  I  burn  with  envy 4  sore 

To  hear  the  warlike  feats  which  Homer  spake 
Of  bold  Penthesilee,5  which  made  a  lake 
Of  Greekish  blood  so  oft  in  Trojan  plain ; 
But  when  I  read,  how  stout  Deborah  strake 


1  Hearse,  tomb.  6  Penthesilee,  Penthesilea,  a 

2  Doen,  do.  queen  of  the  Amazons  who  came 

3  Reverse,  return.  to  fight  for  Troy  and  was  slain  by 

4  Envy,  emulation.  Achilles.     She  is  not   mentioned 

by  Homer. 


66  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Proud  Sisera,1  and  how  Camill'2  hath  slain 

The  huge  Orsilochus,  I  swell  with  great  disdain.3 

3  Yet  these,  and  all  that  else  hath  puissance, 
Cannot  with  noble  Britomart  compare, 

As  well  for  glory  of  great  valiance,4 

As  for  pure  chastity  and  virtue  rare, 

That  all  her  goodly  deeds  do  well  declare. 

Well  worthy  stock,  from  which  the  branches  sprong 

That  in  late  years  so  fair  a  blossom  bare, 

As  thee,  O  Queen,  the  matter  of  my  song, 

Whose  lignage  from  this  lady  I  derive  along  ! 

4  Who    when,    through   speeches  with    the    Redcross 

knight, 

She  learned  had  th'  estate  of  Arthegall, 
And  in  each  point  herself  informed  aright, 
A  friendly  league  of  love  perpetual 
She  with  him  bound,  and  conge5  took  withal. 
Then  he  forth  on  his  journey  did  proceed, 
To  seek  adventures  which  mote  him  befall, 
And  win  him  worship  through  his  warlike  deed, 
Which  always  of   his  pains  he  made  the  chiefest 

meed. 


1  How     stout    Deborah     strake  2  Camilla,  in  Virgil's  yEneid ;  a 

proud  Sisera.     Deborah    prophe-  virgin   warrior   who    slew    Orsilo- 

sied  that  Sisera,  a  leader  against  chus   while    fighting    for   Turnus 

the  Israelites,  should  be  slain  by  against  the  Trojans, 
a    woman.       He    was,    however,  8  Disdain,  scorn  for  the  deeds 

killed  by  Jael,  the  wife  of  Heber,  of  men  (?). 
who    drove    a    tent-peg    into    his  *  Valiance,  valor, 

temple.  6  Conge,  leave. 


BRITOMART.  67 

5  But  Britomart  kept  on  her  former  course, 
Ne  ever  doft  her* arms;  but  all  the  way 
Grew  pensive  through  that  amorous  discourse, 
By  which  the  Redcross  knight  did  erst1  display 
Her  lover's  shape  and  chivalrous  array  : 

A  thousand  thougbls_shp  fashioned  iii_her_mmd_; 
And  in  her  feigning  fancy  did  portray 
Him,  such  as  fittest  she  for  love  could  find, 
Wise,  warlike,  personable,2  courteous,  and  kind. 

6  With  such  self-pleasing  thoughts  her  wound  she  fed, 
And  thought  so  to  beguile  her  grievous  smart ; 

But  so  her  smart  was  much  more  grievous  bred, 
And  the  deep  wound  more  deep  engored  her  heart, 
That  nought  but  death  her  dolour3  mote  depart.4 
So  forth  she  rode,  without  repose  or  rest, 
Searching  all  lands  and  each  remotest  part, 
Following  the  guidance  of  her  blinded  guest,5 
Till  that  to  the  sea-coast  at  length  she  her  addressed. 

7  There  she  alighted  from  her  light-foot  beast, 
And,  sitting  down  upon  the  rocky  shore, 
Bade  her  old  squire  unlace  her  lofty  crest : 
Tho,6  having  viewed  a  while  the  surges  hoar 
That  gainst  the  craggy  clifts  did  loudly  r<5ar, 
And  in  their  raging  surquedry7  disdained8 
That  the  fast  earth  affronted9  them  so  sore, 

1  Erst,  first.  6  Tho,  then. 

2  Personable,  handsome.  7  Surquedry,  insolence. 

8  Dolour,  grief.  8  Disdained,  felt  contempt  for 

4  Depart,  remove.  the  fact  that  the  fast  earth,  etc.  (?). 

6  Blinded  guest,  i.e.  love.  *  Affronted,  confronted. 


68  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  their  devouring  covetise1  restrained  ; 
Thereat  she  sighed  deep,  and  after  thus  complained : 

8  "  Huge  sea  of  sorrow  and  tempestuous  grief, 
Wherein  my  feeble  bark  is  tossed  long, 

Far  from  the  hoped  haven  of  relief, 
Why  do  thy  cruel  billows  beat  so  strong, 
And  thy  moist  mountains  each  on  others  throng, 
Threat'ning  to  swallow  up  my  fearful  life  ? 
O,  do  thy  cruel  wrath  and  spiteful  wrong 
At  length  allay,  and  stint2  thy  stormy  strife, 
Which  in  these  troubled  bowels3  reigns  and  rageth 
rife! 

9  "For  else  my  feeble  vessel,  crazed  and  cracked 
Through  thy  strong  buffets  and  outrageous  blows, 
Cannot  endure,  but  needs  it  must  be  wracked 

On  the  rough  rocks,  or  on  the  sandy  shallows, 
The  whiles  that  Love  it  steers,  and  Fortune  rows : 
Love,  my  lewd4  pilot,  hath  a  restless  mind ; 
And  Fortune,  boatswain,  no  assurance6  knows ; 
But  sail  withouten  stars  gainst  tide  and  wind  : 
How  can  they  other  do,  sith  both  are  bold  and  blind ! 

10  "Thou  god  of  winds,  that  reignest  in  the  seas, 
That  reignest  also  in  the  continent,6 
At  last  blow  up  some  gentle  gale  of  ease, 
The  which  may  bring  my  ship,  ere  it  be  rent, 

1  Covetise,  covetousness.  4  Lewd,  ignorant. 

2  Stint,  stop.  6  Assurance,  steadiness. 

8  Bowels,    used    sometimes    as  6  In     the     continent,     i.e.     on 

heart,  i.e.  the  seat  of  feeling.  land. 


BRITOMART.  69 


Unto  the  gladsome  port  of  her  intent  ! 
:RSI-        Then,  when  I  shall  myself  in  safety  see, 
A  table,  for  eternal  moniment 
Of  thy  great  grace  and  my  great  jeopardy, 
Great  Neptune,  I  avow  to  hallow  unto  thee1! " 

1 1  Then  sighing  softly  sore,  and  inly  deep, 
She  shut  up  all  her  plaint  in  privy  grief  ; 

(For  her  great  courage  would  not  let  her  weep  ;) 
Till  that  old  Glauce  gan  with  sharp  repriefe2 
Her  to  restrain,  and  give  her  good  relief 
Through  hope  of  those  which  Merlin  had  her  told 
Should  of  her  name  and  nation3  be  chief, 
And  fetch  their  being  from  the  sacred  mould 
Of  her  immortal  womb,  to  be  in  heaven  enrolled. 

12  Thus  as  she  her  recomforted,  she  spied 
Where  far  away  one,  all  in  armour  bright, 
With  hasty  gallop  towards  her  did  ride : 

Her  dolour  soon  she  ceased,  and  on  her  dight  * 
Her  helmet,  to  her  courser  mounting  light: 
Her  former  sorrow  into  sudden  wrath 
(Both  cousin5  passions  of  distroubled  sprite6) 


1  A  table,  etc.     It  was  the  cus-  2  Repriefe,  reproof, 

torn  among  the  Romans  for  any  *  Nation,  pronounced  as  a  word 

one   who    escaped    shipwreck   to  of  three  syllables, 
express  his  gratitude  by  hanging  4  Dight,  put. 

up,  in  the  temple  of  Neptune,  a  6  Cousin,  kindred, 

tablet  or  picture  representing  the  6  Distroubled   sprite,   disturbed 

circumstances   of  his  danger  and  mind, 
escape.     Hillard. 


70  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Converting,  forth  she  beats  the  dusty  path : 
Love   and   despite1    at    once  her  courage  kindled 
hath. 

13  As  when  a  foggy  mist  hath  overcast 

The  face  of  heaven  and  the  clear  air  engroste,2 
The  world  in  darkness  dwells  ;  till  that  at  last 
The  wat'ry  southwind,  from  the  seaboard  coast 
Upblowing,  doth  disperse  the  vapour  lo'ste,3 
And  pours  itself  forth  in  a  stormy  show'r  ; 
.So  the^air  Rriromarr.  having^  disclos'te4 
Her  cloudy  care  into  a  wrathful_stowre,6 
The  mist   of    grief   dissolved   did    into    vengeance 
pour. 

14  Eftsoones,6  her  goodly  shield  addressing7  fair, 
That  mortal  spear  she  in  her  hand  did  take, 
And  unto  battle  did  herself  prepare. 

The  knight,  approaching,  sternly  her  bespake: 

"  Sir  knight,  that  dost  thy  voyage  rashly  make 

By  this  forbidden  way8 'in  my  despite,9 

Ne  dost  by  others'  death  ensample  take, 

I  read10  thee  soon  retire,  whiles  thou  hast  might, 

Lest  afterwards  it  be  too  late  to  take  thy  flight." 

1  Despite,    contemptuous    defi-  6  Eftsoones,  at  once, 
ance.  7  Addressing,  adjusting. 

2  Engroste,  made  thick.  8  Forbidden  way,  forbidden  be- 
8  Lo'ste,  dissolved.                              cause  the  knight  allows  no  one  to 

4  Disclo'ste,    developed,    trans-       pass. 

muted.  9  In  my  despite,  in  defiance  or 

5  Stowre,  fury.  contempt  of  me. 

10  Read,  advise. 


BRITOMART.  71 

i  5   Ythrilled  with  deep  disdain  of  his  proud  threat, 
She  shortly  thus :    "  Fly  they,  that  need  to  fly  ; 
Words  fearen1  babes:    I  mean  not  thee  entreat 
To  pass  ;  but  maugre2  thee  will  pass  or  die:" 
Ne  lenger  stayed  for  th'  other  to  reply, 
But  with  sharp  spear  the  rest  made  dearly  known. 
Strongly  the  strange  knight  ran,  and  sturdily 
Struck  her  full  on  the  breast,  that  made  her  down 
Decline  her  head,  and  touch  her  crouper  with  her 
crown. 

1 6  But  she  again  him  in  the  shield  did  smite 
With  so  fierce  fury  and  great  puissance, 

That,  through  his  three-square  scutcheon  piercing 

quite 

And  through  his  mailed  hauberk,  by  mischance 
The  wicked  steel  through  his  left  side  did  glance : 
Him  so  transfixed  she  before  her  bore 
Beyond  his  croup,  the  length  of  all  her  lance ; 
Till,  sadly  soucing  3  on  the  sandy  shore, 
He  tumbled  on4  an  heap,  and  wallowed  in  his  gore. 

17  Like  as  the  sacred  ox  that  careless  stands 
With  gilden  horns  and  flow'ry  girlonds  crowned, 
Proud  of  his  dying  honour  and  dear5  bands, 
Whiles  th'  altars  fume  with  frankincense  around, 
All  suddenly  with  mortal  stroke  astound 

Doth  grovelling  fall,  and  with  his  streaming  gore 

1  Fearen,  frighten.  *  On,  i.e.  in. 

2  Maugre,  in  spite  of.  .     5  Dear,  i.e.  bands  that  are  to 
8  Sadly  soucing,  falling  heavily.        cost  him  dear. 


72  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Distains1  the  pillars  and  the  holy  ground, 
And  the  fair  flow'rs  that  decked  him  afore : 
So  fell  proud  Marinell  upon  the  precious  shore. 

1 8  The  martial  maid  stayed  not  him  to  lament, 
But  forward  rode,  and  kept  her  ready2  way 
Along  the  strond  ;    which,  as  she  over-went, 
She  saw  bestrewed  all  with  rich  array 

Of  pearls  and  precious  stones  of  great  assay,3 
And  all  the  gravel  mixed  with  golden  ore : 
Whereat  she  wond'red  much,  but  would  not  stay 
For  gold,  or  pearls,  or  precious  stones,  an  hour, 
But  them  despised  all,  for4  all  was  in  her  pow'r. 

19  Whiles  thus  he  lay  in  deadly  'stonishment, 
Tidings  hereof  came  to  his  mother's  ear ; 
His  mother  was  the  black-browed  Cymoent, 
The  daughter  of  great  Nereus,5  which  did  bear 
This  warlike  son  unto  an  earthly  peer, 

The  famous  Dumarin  ;  .   .  . 


20 

She,  of  his  father,  Marinell  did  name ; 

And  in  a  rocky  cave  as  wight  forlorn 

Long  time  she  fost'red  up,  till  he  became 

A  mighty  man  at  arms,  and  mickle6  fame 

Did  get  through  great  adventures  by  him  done : 

1  Distains,  stains.  *  For,  notwithstanding. 

2  Ready,  speedy.  6  Nereus,  an  ancient  sea-god. 
8  Assay,  value.  6  Mickle,  much. 


BRITOMART.  73 

For  never  man  he  suffered  by  that  same 
Rich  strond  to  travel,  whereas  he  did  wonne,1 
But  that  he  must  do  battle  with  the  sea-nymph's 
son. 

21  An  hundred  knights  of  honourable  name 

He  had  subdued,  and  them  his  vassals  made: 
That  through  all  Faery-lond  z  his  noble  fame 
Now  blazed  was,  and  fear  did  all  invade, 
That  none  durst  passen  through  that  perilous  glade  : 
And,  to  advance  his  name  and  glory  more, 
Her  sea-god  sire  she  dearly  3  did  persuade 
T'  endow  her  son  with  treasure  and  rich  store 
'Bove  all  the  sons  that  were  of  earthly  wombs  ybore. 

22  The  god  did  grant  his  daughter's  dear  demand, 
To  doen  his  nephew4  in  all  riches  flow6: 
Eftsoones  his  heaped  waves  he  did  command 
Out  of  their  hollow  bosom  forth  to  throw 

All  the  huge  treasure,  which  the  sea  below 
Had  in  his  greedy  gulf  devoured  deep, 
And  him  enriched  through  the  overthrow 
And  wrecks  of  many  wretches,  which  did  weep 
And  often  wail  their  wealth  which  he  from  them 
did  keep. 

23  Shortly  upon  that  shore  there  heaped  was 
Exceeding  riches  and  all  precious  things, 

1  Wonne,  dwell.  *  Nephew,  grandson. 

2  Land,  land,  5  To   doen,    etc.,   to   cause    his 
8  Dearly,  with  earnestness.               grandson  to  abound  in  riches. 


74  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

The  spoil  of  all  the  world  ;  that  it  did  pass 

The   wealth    of   th'    East,    and    pomp    of    Persian 

kings : 

Gold,  amber,  ivory,  pearls,  owches,1  rings, 
And  all  that  else  was  precious  and  dear, 
The  sea  unto  him  voluntary  brings  ; 
That  shortly  he  a  great  lord  did  appear, 
As  was  in  all  the  lond  of  Faery,  or  elsewhere. 

24  Thereto2  he  was  a  doughty  dreaded  knight, 
Tried  often  to  the  scath  3  of  many  dear,4 
That  none  in  equal  arms  him  matchen  might : 
The  which  his  mother  seeing  gan  to  fear 
Lest  his  too  haughty  hardiness  might  rear6 
Some  hard  mishap  in  hazard  of  his  life : 
Forthy6  she  oft  him  counselled  to  forbear 
The  bloody  battle,  and  to  stir  up  strife,7 

But  after  all  his  war  to  rest  his  weary  knife : 

25  And,  for  his  more  assurance,8  she  inquired 
One  day  of  Proteus  9  by  his  mighty  spell 
(For  Proteus  was  with  prophesy  inspired) 
Her  dear  son's  destiny  to  her  to  tell, 
And  the  sad  end  of  her  sweet  Marinell : 
Who,  through  foresight  of  his  eternal  skill, 
Bade  her  from  womankind  to  keep  him  well  ; 

1  Owches,  jewels.  7  And  to  stir  up  strife,  i.e.  to 

2  Thereto,  besides.  forbear  stirring  up  strife. 

8  Scath,  harm.  8  More  assurance,  greater  secu- 

4  Dear,  dearly.  rity. 

8  Rear,  raise,  i.e.  cause.  9  Proteus,    a   sea-god    who    as- 

6  Forthy,  therefore.  sumed  different  shapes  at  will. 


BRITOMART.  75 

For  of  a  woman  he  should  have  much  ill ; 
A  virgin  strange  and  stout1  him  should  dismay  or 
kill. 

26  Forthy  she  gave  him  warning  every  day 
The  love  of  women  not  to  entertain ; 

A  lesson  too  too2  hard  for  living  clay, 
From  love  in  course  of  nature  to  refrain  ! 
Yet  he  his  mother's  lore  did  well  retain,, 
And  ever  from  fair  ladies'  love  did  fly  ; 
Yet  many  ladies  fair  did  oft  complain, 
That  they  for  love  of  him  would  algates3  die ; 
Die  whoso  list  for  him,  he  was  love's  enemy. 

27  But  ah  !  who  can  deceive  his  destiny, 
Or  ween4  by  warning  to  avoid  his  fate  ? 
That,  when  he  sleeps  in  most  security 
And  safest  seems,  him  soonest  doth  amate,6 
And  findeth  due  effect  or  soon  or  late  ; 

So  feeble  is  the  pow'r  of  fleshly  arm  ! 

His  mother  bade  him  women's  love  to  hate, 

For  she  of  woman's  force  did  fear  no  harm  ; 

So  weening  to  have  armed  him,  she  did  quite  disarm 

28  This  was  that  woman,  this  the  deadly  wound, 
That  Proteus  prophesied  should  him  dismay; 
The  which  his  mother  vainly  did  expound 

To  be  heart-wounding  love,  which  should  assay 

1  Stout,  brave.  *  Ween,  think,  imagine. 

2  Too  too,  exceedingly.  5  Amate,  confound. 
8  Algates,  by  all  means,  absolutely. 


76  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

To  bring  her  son  unto  his  last  decay.1 

So  tickle2  be  the  terms  of  mortal  state 

And  full  of  subtile3  sophisms,  which  do  play 

With  double  senses,  and  with  false  debate, 

T  approve4  the  unknown  purpose  of  eternal  fate. 

29  Too  true  the  famous  Marinell  it  found  ; 

Who,  through  late  trial,  on  that  wealthy  strond6 
Inglorious  now  lies  in  senseless  swownd,6 
Through  heavy  stroke  of  Britomartis  hond.7 
Which  when  his  mother  dear  did  understond, 
And  heavy  tidings  heard,  whereas8  she  played 
Amongst  her  wat'ry  sisters  by  a  pond, 
Gathering  sweet  daffadillies,  to  have  made 
Gay  girlonds  from  the  sun  their  foreheads  fair  to 
shade, 

30  Eftsoones  both  flow'rs  and  girlonds  far  away 
She  flung,  and  her  fair  dewy  locks  yrent : 
To  sorrow  huge  she  turned  her  former  play, 
And  gamesome  mirth  to  grievous  dreriment9: 
She  threw  herself  down  on  the  continent,10 
Ne  word  did  speak,  but  lay  as  in  a  swowne, 
Whiles  all  her  sisters  did  for  her  lament 

With  yelling  outcries,  and  with  shrieking  sowne11; 
And  every  one  did  tear  her  girlond  from  her  crown. 

1  Decay,  ruin,  destruction.  6  Swownd,  swoon. 

2  Tickle,  unstable.  7  Hond,  hand. 

8  Subfile,  subtle.  8  Whereas,  where. 

4  Apprm>e,  prove.  9  Dreriment,  sorrow. 

5  Strond,  strand.  10  Continent,  land. 

11  Sowne,  sound. 


BRITOMART.  77 

3 1  Soon  as  she  up  out  of  her  deadly  fit 
Arose,  she  bade  her  charet  to  be  brought ; 
And  all  her  sisters,  that  with  her  did  sit, 
Bade  eke1  attonce2  their  charets  to  be  sought: 
Tho,3  full  of  bitter  grief  and  pensive  thought, 
She  to  her  waggon  clomb4;  clomb  all  the  rest, 
And  forth  together  went,  with  sorrow  fraught5: 
The  waves  obedient  to  their  behest 

Them  yielded   ready  passage,  and  their  rage  sur- 
ceased.6 

32  Great  Neptune  stood  amazed  at  their  sight, 
While  on  his  broad  round  back  they  softly  slid, 
And  eke  himself  mourned  at  their  mournful  plight, 
Yet  wist7  not  what  their  wailing  meant,  yet  did, 
For  great  compassion  of  their  sorrow,  bid 

His  mighty  waters  to  them  buxom8  be: 
Eftsoones9  the  roaring  billows  still  abid,10 
And  all  the  grisly11  monsters  of  the  sea 
Stood  gaping  at  their  gate,12  and  wond'red  them  to 
see. 

33  A  team  of  dolphins  raunged 13  in  array 
Drew  the  smooth  charet  of  sad  Cymoent : 
They  were  all  taught  by  Triton  to  obey 

1  Eke,  likewise.  8  Buxom,  yielding. 

2  Attonce,  at  once.  9  Eftsoones,  immediately. 
8  Tho,  then.                                              10  Abid,  abode. 

4  Clomb,  climbed.  u  Grisly,  frightful. 

6  Fraught,  filled.  12  Gate,  procedure. 

6  Surceased,  ended.  13  Raunged  in  array,  arranged 

7  Wist,  knew.  in  proper  order. 


78  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

To  the  long  reins  at  her  commandement : 
As  swift  as  swallows  on  the  waves  they  went, 
That  their  broad  flaggy  fins  no  foam  did  rear, 
Ne  bubbling  rowndell 1  they  behind  them  sent ; 
The  rest  of  other  fishes  drawen  were, 
Which  with  their  finny  oars  the  swelling  sea  did 
shear. 

34  Soon  as  they  been  arrived  upon  the  brim 

Of  the  rich  strond,  their  charets  they  forlore,2 

And  let  their  teamed3  fishes  softly  swim 

Along  the  margent4  of  the  foamy  shore, 

Lest  they  their  fins  should  bruise,   and   surbate 6 

sore 

Their  tender  feet  upon  the  stony  ground  : 
And  coming  to  the  place,  where  all  in  gore 
And  cruddy6  blood  enwallowed 7  they  found 
The  luckless  Marinell  lying  in  deadly  swownd, 

35  His  mother  swooned  thrice,  and  the  third  time 
Could  scarce  recovered  be  out  of  her  pain  ; 
Had  she  not  been  devoid  of  mortal  slime, 

She  should  not  then  have  been  re-lived8  again  : 
But,  soon  as  life  recovered  had  the  reign, 
She  made  so  piteous  moan  and  dear  wayment,9 
That  the  hard  rocks  could  scarce  from  tears  refrain  : 


1  Rowndell,  globule.  6  Cruddy,  curdled. 

2  Forlore,  left.  7  Enwallowed,  rolling  in. 
8  Teamed,  yoked  as  in  a  team.  8  Re-lived,  revived. 

4  Margent,  margin.  9  Dear  wayment,  heartfelt  lam- 

5  Surbate,  batter.  entation. 


BRITOMART.  79 

And  all  her  sister  nymphs  with  one  consent 
Supplied    her   sobbing    breaches 1   with    sad    com- 
plement.2 

36  "Dear  image  of  myself,"  she  said,  "that  is 
The  wretched  son  of  wretched  mother  born, 
Is  this  thine  high  advancement  ?  O  !  is  this 

Th'  immortal  name,  with  which  thee,  yet  unborn, 

Thy  grandsire  Nereus  promised  to  adorn  ? 

Now  liest  thou  of  life  and  honour  reft3; 

Now  liest  thou  a  lump  of  earth  forlorn ; 

Ne  of  thy  late  life  memory  is  left ; 

Ne  can  thy  irrevocable  destiny  be  wefte*  ! 

37  "  Fond6  Proteus,  father  of  false  prophecies  ! 
And  they  more  fond  that  credit  to  thee  give  ! 
Not  this  the  work  of  woman's  hand  ywis,6 

That  so  deep  wound  through  these  dear  members 

drive. 

I  feared  love  ;  but  they  that  love  do  live  ; 
But  they  that  die  do  neither  love  nor  hate : 
Nathless  to  thee  thy  folly  I  forgive  ; 
And  to  myself,  and  to  accursed  fate, 
The  guilt  I  do  ascribe  :  dear  wisdom  bought  too  late  ! 

38  "O  !  what  avails  it  of  immortal  seed7 
To  be  ybred  and  never  born  to  die  ? 

1  Sobbing  breaches,  i.e.    the  in-  8  Reft,  bereft, 
tervals  of  her  sobbing.  4  Wefte,  avoided. 

2  Complement,    accessory,    sup-  5  Fond,  foolish, 
plement.  6  Ywis,  surely. 

7  Seed,  race. 


80  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Far  better  I  it  deem  to  die  with  speed, 
Then l  waste  in  woe  and  wailful 2  misery  : 
Who  dies,  the  utmost  dolour  doth  abye3; 
But  who  that  lives  is  left  to  wail  his  loss  : 
So  life  is  loss,  and  death  felicity : 
Sad  life  worse  than  glad  death  ;  and  greater  cross 
To  see  friend's  grave,  then  dead  the  grave  self  to 
engross.4 

39  "  But  if  the  heavens  did  his  day  envy,6 

And  my  short  bliss  malign,6  yet  mote  they  well 
Thus  much  afford  me,  ere  that  he  did  die, 
That  the  dim  eyes  of  my  dear  Marinell 
I  mote7  have  closed,  and  him  bed8  farewell, 
Sith  other  offices  for  mother  meet 
They  would  not  grant  — 

Yet,  maulgre 9  them,  farewell,  my  sweetest  sweet ! 
Farewell,  my  sweetest  son,  sith  we  no  more  shall 
meet  !  " 

40  Thus  when  they  all  had  sorrowed  their  fill, 
They  softly  gan  to  search  his  grisly10  wound : 
And,  that  they  might  him  handle  more  at  will, 
They  him  disarmed  ;    and,  spreading  on  the  ground 
Their  watchet11  mantles  fringed  with  silver  round, 
They  softly  wiped  away  the  jelly  blood 

1  Then,  than.  6  Malign,  begrudge. 

2  Wailful,  mournful.  7  Mote,  might. 

3  Abye,  endure.  8  Bed,  bade. 

4  Engross,  occupy.  9  Maulgre,  in  spite  of. 

5  Envy,  begrudge.  10  Grisly,  dreadful. 

11  Watchet,  pale  blue. 


BKITOMART.  81 

From  th'  orifice  ;  which,  having  well  upbound, 
They  poured  in  sovereign  balm  and  nectar  good, 
Good  both  for  earthly  med'cine  and  for  heavenly 
food. 

41  Tho,1  when  the  lily-handed  Liagore 
(This  Liagore  whilom2  had  learned  skill 
In  leech's3  craft,  by  great  Apollo's  lore,4 
Sith  her  whilom  upon  high  Pindus  hill5 
He  loved,) 

Did  feel  his  pulse,  she  knew  there  stayed  still 

Some  little  life  his  feeble  sprites6  among  ; 

Which  to  his  mother  told,  despair  she  from  her  flung. 

42  Tho,  up  him  taking  in  their  tender  hands, 
They  easily  unto  her  charett 7  bear : 

Her  team  at  her  commandment  quiet  stands, 
Whiles  they  the  corse 8  into  the  waggon  rear, 
And  strow  with  flow'rs  the  lamentable  beare9: 
Then  all  the  rest  into  their  coaches  clim,10 
And    through    the    brackish    waves   their   passage 

shear  n ; 

Upon  great  Neptune's  neck  they  softly  swim, 
And  to  her  wat'ry  chamber  swiftly  carry  him. 

1  Tho,  then.  in     Thessaly,    the     seat    of    the 

.    2  Whilom,  formerly.  muses. 

8  Leech's,  physician's.  6  Sprites,  spirits. 

4  Apollo's  lore  ;  Apollo  and  his  7  Charett,  chariot, 
son  ^Esculapius   were  revered  as  8  Corse,  body, 
the  chief  gods  of  healing.  g  Beare,  bier. 

5  Pindus  hill,  a  lofty  mountain  10  Clim,  climb. 

11  Shear,  cut. 


82  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

43  Deep  in  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  her  bow'r * 
Is  built  of  hollow  billows  heaped  high, 

Like  to  thick  clouds  that  threat  a  stormy  show'r, 

And  vauted2  all  within  like  to  the  sky, 

In  which  the  gods  do  dwell  eternally : 

There  they  him  laid  in  easy  couch  well  dight,3 

And  sent  in  haste  for  Tryphon,4  to  apply 

Salve  to  his  wounds,  and  medicines  of  might : 

For  Tryphon  of  sea-gods  the  sovereign  leech  is  hight.5 

44  The  whiles  the  nymphs  sit  all  about  him  round, 
Lamenting  his  mishap  and  heavy  plight  ; 

And  oft  his  mother,  viewing  his  wide  wound, 
Cursed  the  hand  that  did  so  deadly  smite 
Her  dearest  son,  her  dearest  heart's  delight  : 
But  none  of  all  those  curses  overtook 
The  warlike  maid,  th'  ensample  of  that  might 6 ; 
But  fairly  well  she  thrived,  and  well  did  brook 
Her  noble  deeds,7  ne  her  right  course  for  ought 
forsook. 

45  Yet  did  false  Archimage8  her  still  pursue, 
To  bring  to  pass  his  mischievous  intent, 

1  Bower,  chamber,  dwelling.  had  in  the  overthrow  of  Marinell 

2  Vauted,  vaulted.  given  a  specimen  of  her  power. 

8  Dight,  arranged.  7  And  well  did  brook  her  noble 

4  Tryphon.     There  is  no  leech  deeds,    i.e.  she    did    not  suffer   in 
of  the  sea-gods  in  classical  myth-  consequence  of  her  noble  deeds, 
ology.     Hillard.  8  Archimage,   or  Archimago,  a 

5  Hight,  called.  wicked  enchanter  described  in  the 

6  The  warlike maid,  th1 ensample  first  book  of  the"  Faery  Queene," 
of  that  might,  i.e.  Britomart,  who  the  chief  enemy  of  the  Redcross 

knight  and  Una. 


BRITOMART.  83 

Now  that  he  had  her  singled  from  the  crew 
Of  courteous  knights,  the  prince  and  faery  gent,1 
Whom  late  in  chase  of  beauty  excellent 
She  left,  pursuing  that  same  foster2  strong  ; 
Of  whose  foul  outrage  they  impatient, 
And  full  of  fiery  zeal,  him  followed  long, 
To   rescue  her3  from  shame,  and  to  revenge  her 
wrong. 

rescue  of  the  lady  "  upon  a  milk- 
1  The  prince  and  faery  gent,       white  palfrey." 
i.e.  Prince  Arthur  and  the  noble  2  Foster,  forester, 

faery,  or  faery  knight,  Sir  Guyon,  8  Her,  i.e.  the  lady  pursued  by 

who  left  Britomart  to  go  to  the       the  forester. 


V. 


The  Night  at  Malbecco's  Castle. 

Satyrane  and  Paridell,  two  of  Gloriana's  champions,  found  them- 
selves on  a  dark  and  stormy  night  outside  the  castle  of  a  man  known 
as  Malbecco.  As  admittance  was  not  readily  granted,  Paridell  wished 
to  force  an  entrance. 

1  "  NAY,  let  us  first,"  said  Satyrane,  "  entreat 
The  man,  by  gentle  means,  to  let  us  in  ; 
And  afterwards  affray J  with  cruel  threat, 
Ere  that  we  to  efforce  2  it  do  begin  : 
Then,  if  all  fail,  we  will  by  force  it  win, 

And  eke  3  reward  the  wretch  for  his  mesprise,4 
As  may  be  worthy  of  his  heinous  sin." 
That  counsel  pleased  :  then  Paridell  did  rise, 
And  to  the  castle-gate  approached  in  quiet  wise : 

2  Whereat  soft  knocking,  entrance  he  desired. 
The  good  man  self,  which  then  the  porter  played, 
Him  answered,  that  all  were  now  retired 

Unto  their  rest,  and  all  the  keys  conveyed 
Unto  their  master  who  in  bed  was  laid, 
That  none  him  durst  awake  out  of  his  dream; 
And  therefore  them  of  patience  gently  prayed. 
Then  Paridell  began  to  change  his  theme, 
And  threat'ned   him  with  force  and   punishment 
extreme. 

1  Affray,  frighten.  8  Eke,  also. 

2  Efforce,  force.  *  Mesprise,  contempt. 


BRITOMART.  85 

3  But  all  in  vain  ;  for  nought  mote  him  relent1: 
And  now  so  long  before  the  wicket  fast 
They  waited,  that  the  night  was  forward  spent, 
And  the  fair  welkin2  foully  overcast 

Gan  blowen  up  a  bitter  stormy  blast, 

With  show'r  and  hail  so  horrible  and' dread, 

That  this  fair  many3  were  compelled  at  last 

To  fly  for  succour  to  a  little  shed, 

The  which  beside  the  gate  for  swine  was  ordered. 

4  It  fortuned,4  soon  after  they  were  gone, 
Another  knight,  whom  tempest  thether  brought, 
Came  to  that  castle,  and  with  earnest  moan, 
Like  as  the  rest,  late  entrance  dear 5  besought ; 
But,  like  so  as  the  rest,  he  prayed  for  nought ; 
For  flatly  he  of  entrance  was  refused : 

Sorely  thereat  he  was  displeased,  and  thought 

Plow  to  avenge  himself  so  sore  abused, 

And  evermore  the  carle 6  of  courtesy  accused.7 

5  But,  to  avoid  th'  intolerable  stowre,8 

He  was  compelled  to  seek  some  refuge  near, 
And  to  that  shed,  to  shroud  him  from  the  show'r, 
He  came,  which  full  of  guests  he  found  whilere,9 
So  as  he  was  not  let 10  to  enter  there  : 


1  Mote  him  relent,  could  soften  6  Carle,  churl. 

him.  7  Of  courtesy  accused,  i.e.  ac- 

2  Welkin,  sky.  cused  of  lack  of  courtesy. 
8  Many,  company.  8  Stowre,  storm. 

*  Fortuned,  happened.  '  Whilere,  before  (him). 

6  Dear,  earnestly.  10  Let,  allowed. 


86  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Whereat  he  gan  to  wex 1  exceeding  wroth, 
And  swore  that  he  would  lodge  with  them  yfere,2 
Or  them  dislodge,  all  were  they  lief  or  loath3; 
And  so  defied  them  each,  and  so  defied  them  both. 

6  Both  were  full  loath  to  leave  that  needful  tent,4 
And  both  full  loath  in  darkness  to  debate; 
Yet  both  full  lief  him  lodging  to  have  lent, 
And  both  full  lief  his  boasting  to  abate: 

But  chiefly  Paridell  his  heart  did  grate5 

To  hear  him  threaten  so  despitefully, 

As  if  he  did  a  dog  in  kennel  rate 

That  durst  not  bark ;  and  rather  had  he  die 

Then,  when  he  was  defied,  in  coward  corner  lie. 

7  Tho,6  hastily  remounting  to  his  steed, 

He  forth  issued  ;  like  as  a  boistrous  wind, 
Which  in  th'  earth's  hollow  caves  hath  long  been  hid 
And  shut  up  fast  within  her  prisons  blind, 
Makes  the  huge  element,7  against  her  kind,8 
To  move  and  tremble  as  it  were  aghast, 
Until  that  it  an  issue  forth  may  find  ; 
Then  forth  it  breaks,  and  with  his  9  furious  blast 
Confounds  both  land  and  seas,  and  skies  doth  over- 
cast. 

1  Wex,  wax,  grow.  6  Tho,  then. 

2  Yfere,  together.  "  The  huge  element,i.e.  the  earth. 
8  All  -were   they   lief  or  loath,            8  Kind,  nature. 

i.e.  whether  they  were  willing  or            9  His.     Its  did  not  come  into 

unwilling.  general  use  until  after   Spenser's 

4  Tent,  shelter.  time.     Even  Shakespeare  uses  his 

6  Grate,  fret.  for  its  in  many  cases. 


BRITOMART.  87 

8  Their  steel-head  spears  they  strongly  couched,  and 

met 

Together  with  impetuous  rage  and  force, 
That  with  the  terror  of  their  fierce  affret1 
They  rudely  drove  to  ground  both  man  and  horse, 
That  each  awhile  lay  like  a  senseless  corse. 
But  Paridell,  sore  bruised  with  the  blow, 
Could  not  arise,  the  counterchange  to  scorse  2  ; 
Till  that  young  squire  him  reared  from  below; 
Then  drew  he  his  bright  sword,  and  gan  about  him 

throw. 

9  But  Satyrane,  forth  stepping,  did  them  stay, 
And  with  fair  treaty  pacified  their  ire : 

Then,  when  they  were  accorded  3  from  the  fray, 
Against  that  castle's  lord  they  gan  conspire, 
To  heap  on  him  due  vengeance  for  his  hire. 
They  been  agreed,  and  to  the  gates  they  go 
To  burn  the  same  with  unquenchable  fire, 
And  that  uncourteous  carle,  their  common  foe, 
To  do  foul  death  to  die,4  or  wrap  in  grievous  woe. 

10  Malbecco  seeing  them  resolved  indeed 

To  flame  the  gates,  and  hearing  them  to  call 
For  fire  in  earnest,  ran  with  fearful  speed, 
And,  to  them  calling  from  the  castle  wall, 
Besought  them  humbly  him  to  bear  with  all, 
As  ignorant  of  servants'  bad  abuse 
And  slack  attendance  unto  strangers'  call. 

1  Affret,  encounter.  *  To  do  foul  death  to  die,  i.e.  to 

2  Scorse,  exchange,  give  back.          cause  him  to  die  a  foul  death. 
8  Accorded,  made  to  agree. 


88  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

The  knights  were  willing  all  things  to  excuse, 
Though  nought  believed,  and  entrance  late  did  not 
refuse. 

1 1  They  been  ybrought  into  a  comely  bow'r,1 
And  served  of  all  things  that  mote  needful  be  ; 
Yet  secretly  their  host  did  on  them  low'r, 
And  welcomed  more  for  fear  than  charitee  ; 
But  they  dissembled  what  they  did  not  see,2 
And  welcomed  themselves.     Each  gan  undight 3 
Their  garments  wet,  and  weary  armour  free, 

To  dry  themselves  by  Vulcan's  4  flaming  light, 
And  eke6  their  lately  bruised  parts  to  bring   in 
plight.6 

12  And  eke  that  stranger  knight  amongst  the  rest 
Was  for  like  need  enforced  to  disarray: 
Tho,7  whenas  vailed  was  her  lofty  crest,8 

Her  golden  locks,  that  were  in  trammels  9  gay 
Upbounden,  did  themselves  adown  display, 
And  raught 10  unto  her  heels  ;  like  sunny  beams, 
That  in  a  cloud  their  light  did  long  time  stay, 
Their  vapour  vaded,11  show  their  golden  gleams, 
And  through  the  persant12  air  shoot  forth  their 
azure  streams. 

1  Bower,  room.  7  Tho,  then. 

2  But  they  dissembled,  etc.,  i.e.  8  JVhenas  vailed  was  her  lofty 
they  appeared  as  though  they  had  crest,    i.e.  when   her   helmet  was 
been  hospitably  received.  doffed. 

*  Undight,  to  put  off.  9  Trammels,  braids. 

4  Vulcan,  the  god  of  fire.  10  Raught,  reached. 

6  Eke,  also.  u  Vaded,  dissipated. 

6  Plight,  order.  u  Persant,  sharp,  clear. 


BRJTOMART.  89 

13  She  also  doft  her  heavy  haberieon,1 

Which  the  fair  feature  of  her  limbs  did  hide  ; 
And  her  well-plighted2  frock,  which  she  did  won3 
To  tuck  about  her  short  when  she  did  ride, 
She  low  let  fall,  that  flowed  from  her  lank  side 
Down  to  her  foot  with  careless  modestee. 
Then  of  them  all  she  plainly  was  espied 
To  be  a  womanwight,  unwist  to  be, 
The  fairest  womanwight  that  ever  eye  did  see. 

14  Like  as  Bellona,4  being  late  returned 
From  slaughter  of  the  giants  conquered,  — 
Where    proud    Encelade,5    whose    wide    nostrils 

burned 

With  breathed  flames  like  to  a  furnace  red, 
Transfixed  with  her  spear,  down  tumbled  dead 
From  top  of  Hemus6  by  him  heaped  high, — 
Hath  loosed  her  helmet  from  her  lofty  head, 
And  her  Gorgonian  shield 7  gins  to  untie 
From  her  left  arm,  to  rest  in  glorious  victory. 

1 5  Which  whenas  they  beheld,  they  smitten  were 
With  great  amazement  at  so  wondrous  sight  ; 
And  each  on  other,  and  they  all  on  her, 
Stood  gazing  ;  as  if  sudden  great  affright 

1  Haberieon,  habergeon,  coat  of  6  Encelade,  Enceladus,  the  giant 
mail.  buried  under  Mount  Aetna. 

2  Well-plighted,  well-folded.  6  Hemus,    Haemus  ;    ancient 

3  Did  -won,  did  use.  name  of  the  Balkan  mountains. 

4  Bellona,  the  goddess  of  war  ;  7  Gorgonian   shield,    Minerva's 
here  stands  for  Minerva.  shield  which  bore  the  fatal   Gor- 
gon's head. 


90  THE   FAERY  QUEENS. 

Had  them  surprised.     At  last  avising 1  right 

Her  goodly  personage  and  glorious  hue, 

Which  they  so  much  mistook,  they  took  delight 

In  their  first  error,  and  yet  still  anew 

With  wonder  of  her  beauty  fed  their  hungry  view : 

1 6  Yet  note2  their  hungry  view  be  satisfied, 
But,  seeing,  still  the  more  desired  to  see, 
And  ever  firmly  fixed  did  abide 

In  contemplation  of  divinitee  : 

But  most  they  marvelled  at  her  chivalree 

And  noble  prowess,  which  they  had  approved,3 

That  much  they  fained4  to  know  who  she  mote6  be; 

Yet  none  of  all  them  her  thereof  amoved6  ; 

Yet  every  one  her  liked,  and  every  one  her  loved. 

The  lady  of  the  castle   soon  appeared  and   kindly  welcomed   the 
warriors. 

17  Now,  when  of  meats  and  drinks  they  had  their  fill, 
Purpose  was  moved  by  that  gentle  dame 

Unto  those  knights  adventurous,  to  tell 

Of  deeds  of  arms  which  unto  them  became,7 

And  every  one  his  kindred  and  his  name. 


1 8  So  long  these  knights  discoursed  diversely 
Of  strange  affairs,  and  noble  hardiment,8 

1  Avising,  contemplating.  6  Mote,  might. 

2  Note,  could  not.  6  Amoved,  i.e.  questioned. 
8  Approved,  proved.  7  Became,  happened. 

4  Pained,  desired.  8  Hardiment,  bold  deeds. 


BRITOMART.  91 

Which  they  had  passed  with  mickle  jeopardy, 
That  now  the  humid  night  was  far  forth  spent, 
And  heavenly  lamps  were  halfendeale  1  ybrent  2: 
Which   th'  old    man 3   seeing   well,    who   too   long 

thought 

Every  discourse,  and  every  argument, 
Which  by  the  hours  he  measured,  besought 
Them  go  to  rest.     So  all  unto  their  bow'rs 4  were 

brought. 

1  Halfendeale,  the  half  part.  8  Th'  old    man,    i.e.    Malbecco, 

2  Ybrent,  burned.  the  host. 

*  Bowers,  chambers. 


VI. 


Amoret  and  the  Garden  of  Venus. 

Scudamour,  whom  Britomart  was  about  to  meet,  was  the  husband  of 
the  beautiful  Amoret.  Amoret  was  the  daughter  of  Chrysogonee  and 
the  twin  sister  of  Belphcebe.  Soon  after  the  birth  of  these  children, 
Chrysogonee  fell  asleep  in  a  forest ;  and  the  goddesses  Venus  and  Diana 
happening  along  just  then,  took  each  a  child  from  the  sleeping  mother. 

1  UP  they  them  took,  each  one  a  babe  uptook, 
And  with  them  carried  to  be  fostered  : 
Dame  Phoebe1  to  a  nymph  her  babe  betook 
To  be  upbrought  in  perfect  maidenhead,2 
And,  of  herself,  her  name  Belphoebe  read3: 
But  Venus  hers  thence  far  away  conveyed, 
To  be  upbrought  in  goodly  womanhead ; 

And,  in  her  little  Love's  stead  which  was  strayed,4 
Her  Amoretta  called,  to  comfort  her  dismayed.6 

2  She  brought  her  to  her  joyous  paradise 

Where  most  she  wonnes,6  when  she  on  earth  does 

dwell  : 
So  fair  a  place  as  nature  can  devise : 

1  Phcebe,  Diana,  the  goddess  of       phabe   read,   i.e.   called   her    Bel- 
the  moon  ;    the   maiden   goddess      phoebe,  after  herself. 

devoted  to  the  chase.  *  In  her  little  Love's  stead,  etc., 

2  Maidenhead,  maidenhood.  i.e.  in  the  place  of  Cupid  who  had 
8  And,  of  herself ,  her  name  Bel-       run  away  from  his  mother. 

6  Dismayed,  dejected.  6  Wonnes,  dwells. 


BRITOMART.  93 

Whether  in  Paphos,1  or  Cytheron  hill,2 

Or  it  in  Gnidus  3  be,  I  wote  4  not  well ; 

But  well  I  wote  by  trial,  that  this  same 

All  other  pleasant  places  doth  excel, 

And  called  is,  by  her  lost  lover's  name, 

The  garden  of  Adonis,5  far  renowmed  by  fame. 

3  There  is  continual  spring,  and  harvest  there 
Continual,  both  meeting  at  one  time : 

For  both  the  boughs  do  laughing  blossoms  bear, 
And  with  fresh  colors  deck  the  wanton  prime,6 
And  eke  attonce 7  the  heavy  trees  they  climb, 
Which  seem  to  labour  under  their  fruits'  load : 
The  whiles  the  joyous  birds  make  their  pastime 
Among  the  shady  leaves,  their  sweet  abode, 
And  their  true  loves  without  suspicion  tell  abroad. 

4  Right  in  the  middest  of  that  paradise 

There  stood  a  stately  mount,  on  whose  round  top 
A  gloomy  grove  of  myrtle  trees  did  rise, 
Whose  shady  boughs  sharp  steel  did  never  lop, 
Nor  wicked  beasts  their  tender  buds  did  crop, 
But  like  a  garland  compassed  the  height, 
And  from  their  fruitful  sides  sweet  gum  did  drop, 

1  Paphos,  a  city  on  the  island       celebrated  for  its  statue  of  Venus, 
of  Cyprus,  which  contained  a  cele-       the  work  of  Praxiteles. 

brated  temple  of  Venus.  *  Wote,  know. 

2  Cytheron  hill,    refers    to    the  6  Adonis,  a  youth  of  extraordin- 
town  of  Cythera  in  Crete,  or  to  ary  beauty  beloved  by  Venus,  and 
the  island  of  Cythera,  where  Venus  by  her  changed  into  an  anemone, 
was  said  to  have  first  landed.  6  Wanton  prime,    luxuriant 

8  Gnidus,  a  Doric  city  in  Caria       spring. 

"  Eke  attonce,  also  together. 


94  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  all  the  ground,  with  precious  dew  bedight,1 
Threw  forth  most  dainty  odours    and    most    sweet 
delight. 

5  And  in  the  thickest  covert  of  that  shade 
There  was  a  pleasant  arbour,  not  by  art 
But  of  the  trees'  own  inclination  made, 

Which  knitting  their  rank  2  branches  part  to  part, 

With  wanton  ivy-twine  entrailed  athwart,3 

And  eglantine  4  and  caprif ole  5  among, 

Fashioned  above  within  their  inmost  part, 

That   nether   Phoebus' 6  beams  could  through  them 

throng, 
Nor  ^Eolus' 7  sharp  blast  could  work  them  any  wrong. 

6  And  all  about  grew  every  sort  of  flow'r, 

To  which  sad  lovers  were  transformed  of  yore  ; 
Fresh  Hyacinthus,8  Phoebus'  paramour 
And  dearest  love  ; 

Foolish  Narcisse,9  that  likes  the  wat'ry  shore  ; 
Sad  Amaranthus,10  made  a  flow'r  but  late, 
Sad  Amaranthus,  in  whose  purple  gore 

1  Bedight,  covered.  by  him.     The  hyacinth  was  fabled 

2  Rank,  luxuriant.  to  have  sprung  from  his  blood. 

8  Entrailed    athwart,     twisted  9  Narcisse,  Narcissus,  a  beauti- 

across.  ful  youth  who  fell  in  love  with  his 

4  Eglantine,  wild  rose.  own  reflection  as  seen  in  a  foun- 

5  Caprifole,  woodbine.  tain.      He   was   changed    to    the 

6  Phoebus,  Apollo,  the  sun-god.  flower  Narcissus. 

7  jfcolus,  the  ruler  of  the  winds.  10  Amaranthus,      amaranth, 

8  Hyacinthus,  a  youth  beloved  which  signifies  unfading.     Among 
by  Apollo  and  accidentally  killed  the  ancients  this  flower   was   the 

symbol  of  immortality. 


BRITOMART.  95 

Meseems  I  see  Amintas'  wretched  fate,1 
To  whom  sweet  poets'  verse  hath  given  endless 
date. 


7  Hether  great  Venus  brought  this  infant  fair, 
The  younger  daughter  of  Chrysogonee, 
And  unto  Psyche  2  with  great  trust  and  care 
Committed  her,  yfostered  to  be, 

And  trained  up  in  true  feminitee3: 

Who  no  less  carefully  her  tendered4 

Than  her  own  daughter  Pleasure,  to  whom  she 

Made  her  companion,  and  her  lessoned  5 

In  all  the  lore  of  love  and  goodly  womanhead. 

8  In  which  when  she  to  perfect  ripeness  grew, 
Of  grace  and  beauty  noble  paragon, 

She  brought  her  forth  into  the  worldes  view, 
To  be  th'  ensample  of  true  love  alone, 
And  loadstar  of  all  chaste  affection  6 
To  all  fair  ladies  that  do  live  on  ground. 
To  Faery  court  she  came  ;  where  many  one 
Admired  her  goodly  'haviour,  and  found 
His    feeble  heart  wide  launched"  with  love's  cruel 
wound. 


^  Amintas1  wretched  fate.    This  3  Feminitee,  womanhood, 

is  supposed  to  allude  to  the  un-  *  Tendered,  cared  for. 

timely  fate  of  Sir  Philip  Sidney.  5  Lessoned,  taught. 

Hillard.  6  Affection,  pronounced  as  word 

2  Psyche    (breath    or   soul)  ;    a       of  four  syllables, 

maiden    beloved    by   Cupid    and  7  Launched,  pierced, 
made  immortal  by  Jupiter. 


96  THE   FAERY  QUEENS. 

9  But  she  to  none  of  them  her  love  did  cast, 
Save  to  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Scudamore, 
To  whom  her  loving  heart  she  linked  fast 
In  faithful  love,  t'  abide  for  evermore  ; 
And  for  his  dearest  sake  endured  sore, 
Sore  trouble  of  an  heinous  enemy, 
Who  her  would  forced  have  to  have  forlore l 
Her  former  love  and  steadfast  loyalty, 
As  ye  may  elsewhere  read  that  rueful  history. 

1  Forlore,  abandoned. 


VII. 

After  separating  from  Satyrane,  Britomart  meets  Scudamour,  the 
husband  of  Amoret.  7^ogether  they  proceed  to  the  house  of  the  enchanter 
Busyrane. 

^  .  '   I   O  HATEFUL  hellish  snake  !  what  fury  first 

Brought  thee  from  baleful  house  of  Prosperine,1 
Where  in  her  bosom  she  thee  long  hath  nurst, 
And  fost'red  up  with  bitter  milk  of  tine2; 
Foul  Jealousy  !  that  turnest  love  divine 
To  joyless  dread,  and  mak'st  the  loving  heart 
With  hateful  thoughts  to  languish  and  to  pine, 
And  feed  itself  with  self-consuming  smart, 
Of  all  the  passions  in  the  mind  thou  vilest  art ! 

2  O  let  him  far  be  banished  away, 

And  in  his  stead  let  Love  forever  dwell  ! 

Sweet  Love,  that  doth  his  golden  wings  embay3 

In  blessed  nectar  and  pure  pleasure's  well, 

Untroubled  of  vile  fear  or  bitter  fell.4 

And  ye,  fair  ladies,  that  your  kingdoms  make 

In  th'  hearts  of  men,  them  govern  wisely  well, 

And  of  fair  Britomart  ensample  take, 

That  was  as  true  in  love  as  turtle  5  to  her  make.6 

1  Proserpine,    Proserpina,    the  2  Tine,  woe. 

daughter  of  Ceres,  who  was  car-  8  Embay,  bathe, 

ried  down  to  Hades  by  Pluto  to  4  Fell,  gall. 

be  his  bride.  8  Turtle,  turtle-dove. 

6  Make,  mate. 


98  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

3  Who,  with  Sir  Satyrane,  as  erst 1  ye  read, 
Forth  riding  from  Malbecco's  hostless2  house, 
Far  off  espied  a  young  man,  the  which  fled 
From  an  huge  giant,  that  with  hideous 

And  hateful  outrage  long  him  chased  thus ; 

It  was  that  Ollyphant,3  the  brother  dear 

Of  that  Argante  vile  and  vicious,4 

From   whom  the   Squire  of   Dames  was  reft5 

whilere  6 ; 
This  all  as  bad  as  she,  and  worse,  if  worse  ought 

•were. 

4  • 

Whom  when  as  Britomart  beheld  behind 

The  fearful  boy  so  greedily  pursue, 
She  was  emmoved 7  in  her  noble  mind 
T'  employ  her  puissance  to  his  rescue, 
And  pricked8  fiercely  forward  where  she  did  him 
view. 

5  Ne9  was  Sir  Satyrane  her  far  behind, 

But  with  like  fierceness  did  ensue 10  the  chase  ; 
Whom  when  the  giant  saw,  he  soon  resigned 
His  former  suit,11  and  from  them  fled  apace  : 

1  Erst,  first,  formerly.  6  Whilere,  formerly. 

2  Hostless,  inhospitable.  7  Emmoved,  moved. 

*  It    was    that    Ollyphant,  etc.  8  Pricked,     rode     fast,     using 
This  refers  to  an  incident  related      spurs. 

in  Book  III,  Canto  VII.  9  Ne,  nor. 

*  Vicious,  pronounced  as  a  word  10  Ensue,  follow. 

of  three  syllables.  u  Resigned  his  former  suit,  i.e. 

6  Reft,  torn  away.  gave  up  his  former  pursuit. 


BRITOMART.  99 

They  after  both,  and  boldly  bade  him  base,1 

And  each  did  strive  the  other  to  outgo ; 

But  he  them  both  outran  a  wondrous  space, 

For  he  was  long,  and  swift  as  any  roe, 

And  now  made  better  speed  t'  escape  his  feared  foe. 

6  It  was  not  Satyrane,  whom  he  did  fear, 
But  Britomart,  the  flow'r  of  chastity ; 

For  he  the  pow'r  of  chaste  hands  might  not  bear, 

But  always  did  their  dread  encounter  fly  : 

And  now  so  fast  his  feet  he  did  apply, 

That  he  has  gotten  to  a  forest  near, 

Where  he  is  shrouded  in  security. 

The  wood  they  enter,  and  search  everywhere  ; 

They  searched  diversely ;  so  both  divided  were. 

7  Fair  Britomart  so  long  him  followed, 
That  she  at  last  came  to  a  fountain  sheer,2 
By  which  there  lay  a  knight  all  wallowed  3 
Upon  the  grassy  ground,  and  by  him  near 
His  haberieon,*  his  helmet,  and  his  spear  : 
A  little  off,  his  shield  was  rudely  thrown, 
On  which  the  winged  boy  5  in  colours  clear 
Depeincted6  was,  full  easy  to  be  known, 

And  he  thereby,  wherever  it  in  field  was  shown. 

8  His  face  upon  the  ground  did  grovelling  lie, 
As  if  he  had  been  slumb'ring  in  the  shade  ; 

1  Bade  him  base,  i.e.  began  in  4  Haberieon,  habergeon,  coat  of 

their  turn  to  pursue  the  giant.  mail, 

a  Sheer,  clear.  8  Winged  boy,  Cupid. 

8  Wallowed,  rolled  about  as  in  6  Depeincted,  depicted,  por- 

mire.  trayed. 


100  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

That1  the  brave  maid  would  not  for  courtesy 

Out  of  his  quiet  slumber  him  abrade,2 

Nor  seem  too  suddenly  him  to  invade  : 

Still  as  she  stood,  she  heard  with  grievous  throb 

Him  groan,  as  if  his  heart  were  pieces  made, 

And  with  most  painful  pangs  to  sigh  and  sob, 

That  pity  did  the  virgin's  heart  of  patience  rob. 

9  At  last  forth  breaking  into  bitter  plaints 

He  said  :  "  O  sovereign  Lord,  that  sit'st  on  high 
And  reign'st  in  bliss  amongst  thy  blessed  saints, 
How  suff 'rest  thou  such  shameful  cruelty, 
So  long  unwreaked3  of  thine  enemy  ! 
Or  hast  thou,  Lord,  of  good  men's  cause  no  heed  ? 
Or  doth  thy  justice  sleep  and  silent  lie  ? 
What  booteth  then  the  good  and  righteous  deed, 
If  goodness   find   no  grace,  nor  righteousness  no 
meed ! 

10  "If  good  find  grace,  and  righteousness  reward, 
Why  then  is  Amoret  in  caytive4  band, 
Sith  that  more  bounteous5  creature  never  far'd6 
On  foot  upon  the  face  of  living  land  ! 
Or  if  that  heavenly  justice  may  withstand 
The  wrongful  outrage  of  unrighteous  men, 
Why  then  is  Busyrane  with  wicked  hand 
Suff 'red,these  seven  months  day,7  in  secret  den 
My  lady  and  my  Love  so  cruelly  to  pen  ? 

1  That,  so  that,  for  that  reason.  4  Caytive,  captive. 

2  Abrade,  rouse.  6  Bounteous,  virtuous. 
8  Unwreaked,  unavenged.  6  Fared,  walked. 

7  Day,  time. 


BRITOMART.  10; 

1 1  "  My  lady  and  my  love  is  cruelly  penned 
In  doleful  darkness  from  the  view  of  day, 
Whilst  deadly  torments  do  her  chaste  breast  rend, 
And  the  sharp  steel  doth  rive1  her  heart  in  tway,2  — 
All  for3  she  Scudamore4  will  not  denay.5 

Yet  thou,  vile  man,  vile  Scudamore,  art  sound, 
Ne  canst  her  aid,  ne  canst  her  foe  dismay  ; 
Unworthy  wretch  to  tread  upon  the  ground, 
For  whom  so  fair  a  lady  feels  so  sore  a  wound." 

12  There  an  huge  heap  of  singulfes6  did  oppress 

His  struggling  soul,  and  swelling  throbs  empeach7 
His  falt'ring  tongue  with  pangs  of  dreariness,8 
Choking  the  remnant  of  his  plaintife  speech, 
As  if  his  days  were  come  to  their  last  reach. 
Which  when  she  heard,  and  saw  the  ghastly  fit 
Threat'ning  into  his  life  to  make  a  breach, 
Both  with  great  ruth9  and  terror  she  was  smit, 
Fearing  lest  from  her  cage  the  weary  soul  would  flit. 

1 3  Tho,  stooping  down,  she  him  amoved  light ; 
Who,  therewith  somewhat  starting,  up  gan  look, 
And  seeing  him  behind  a  stranger  knight, 

1  Rive,  rend.  bearing  the  Shield  of  Divine  Love 

2  In  tway,  in  two.  (scudo    d'amore)    for  their  arms. 

3  For,  because.  Prof.  Child. 

4  Scudamore.      It   has   seemed  6  Denay,  deny,  i.e.  to  prove  false 
best   to   follow  the   original,  and  to. 

spell  this  name  sometimes  Scuda-  6  Singulfes,  for   singults,  sobs, 

more,  and  at  other  times   Scuda-  7  Empeach,  hinder, 

mour.  —  The  family  of  Scudamore  8  Dreariness,  sorrow, 

derived  this  surname  from  their  9  Ruth,  pity. 


.102  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Whereas  no  living  creature  he  mistook,1 

With  great  indignance  he  that  sight  forsook,2 

And,  down  again  himself  disdainfully 

Abjecting,3  th'  earth  with  his  fair  forehead  strook: 

Which  the  bold  virgin  seeing,  gan  apply 

Fit  med'cine  to  his  grief,  and  spake  thus  courtesly  * : 

14  "Ah!  gentle  knight,  whose  deep-conceived6  grief 
Well  seems  t'  exceed  the  pow'r  of  patience, 

Yet,  if  that  heavenly  grace  some  good  relief 

You  send,  submit  you  to  high  Providence ; 

And  ever  in  your  noble  heart  prepense,6 

That  all  the  sorrow  in.  the  world  is  less 

Then  virtue's  might  and  value's7  confidence  : 

For  who  nill 8  bide  the  burden  of  distress, 

Must  not  here  think  to  live  ;  for  life  is  wretchedness. 

1 5  "  Therefore,  fair  sir,  do  comfort  to  you  take, 
And  freely  read9  what  wicked  felon  so 

Hath  outraged  you,  and  thralled10  your  gentle  make.11 

Perhaps  this  hand  may  help  to  ease  your  woe, 

And  wreak  your  sorrow  on  your  cruel  foe ; 

At  least  it  fair  endeavour  will  apply." 

Those  feeling  words  so  near  the  quick  did  go, 

That  up  his  head  he  reared  easily : 

And,  leaning  on  his  elbow,  these  few  words  let  fly  : 

1  Whereas  no  living  creature,  etc.,  ^Deep-conceived,  deep-felt, 

where  he  wrongly  supposed  that  6  Prepense,  consider, 

there  was  no  living  creature.  7  Value's,  valor's. 

2  Forsook,  turned  from.  8  Nill,  will  not. 

3  Abjecting,  casting.  9  Read,  explain. 

4  Courtesly,  courteously.  10  Thralled,  enslaved. 

11  Make,  mate. 


BRITOMART.  103 

1 6  "What  boots  it  plain  that  cannot  be  redressed,1 
And  sow  vain  sorrow  in  a  fruitless  ear  2 ; 

Sith  pow'r  of  hand,  nor  skill  of  learned  breast, 
Ne  worldly  price,  cannot  redeem  my  dear 
Out  of  her  thraldom  and  continual  fear  ! 
For  he,  the  tyrant,  which  her  hath  in  ward 
By  strong  enchantments  and  black  magic  lear,3 
Hath  in  a  dungeon  deep  her  close  embarred,4 
And   many  dreadful   fiends  hath  pointed5  to  her 
guard. 

1 7  ""  There  he  tormenteth  her  most  terribly, 
And  day  and  night  afflicts  with  mortal  pain, 
Because  to  yield  him  love  she  doth  deny, 
Once  to  me  yold,6  not  to  be  yold  again  : 
But  yet  by  torture  he  would  her  constrain 
Love  to  conceive  in  her  disdainful  breast ; 
Till  so  she  do,  she  must  in  doole  7  remain, 
Ne  may  by  living  means  be  thence  relest 8 : 

What  boots   it  then   to  plain  that  cannot   be  re- 
dressed !  " 

1 8  With  this  sad  hersal 9  of  his  heavy  stress 10 
The  warlike  damsel  was  empassioned  n  sore, 

And  said  :    "  Sir  knight,  your  cause  is  nothing  less 

1  What  boots  it  plain  of,  etc.,  i.e.  4  Embarred,  shut  in. 
What  is  the  use  of  complaining  of  6  Pointed,  appointed, 
what  cannot  be  helped.  6  Yold,  yielded. 

2  And  sow  vain  sorrow,  etc.,  i.e.  7  Doole,  grief, 
and  tell  my  sorrow  to  one  who  8  Relest,  released, 
cannot  help  me.  9  Hersal,  rehearsal. 

8  Lear,  lore.  10  Stress,  distress. 

11  Empassioned,  moved. 


104  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Then  is  your  sorrow,  certes,1  if  not  more ; 

For  nothing  so  much  pity  doth  implore 

As  gentle  lady's  helpless  misery  : 

But  yet,  if  please  ye  listen  to  my  lore,2 

I  will,  with  proof  of  last  extremity,3 

Deliver  her  fro  thence,  or  with  her  for  you  die." 

19  "Ah!  gentlest  knight  alive,"  said  Scudamore, 
"  What  huge  heroic  magnanimity 

Dwells  in  thy  bounteous  breast  ?  what  couldst  thou 

more, 

If  she  were  thine,  and  thou  as  now  am  I  ? 
O  spare  thy  happy  days,  and  them  apply 
To  better  boot 4 ;  but  let  me  die  that  ought ; 
More  is  more  loss  ;  one  is  enough  to  die  !  " 
"  Life  is  not  lost,"  said  she,  "  for  which  is  bought 
Endless  renowm,  that   more  then  death   is   to  be 

sought." 

20  Thus  she  at  length  persuaded  him  to  rise, 
And  with  her  wend  to  see  what  new  success 
Mote  5  him  befall  upon  new  enterprize  : 

His  arms,  which  he  had  vowed  to  disprofess,6 
She  gathered  up  and  did  about  him  dress,7 
And  his  forwandred 8  steed  unto  him  got : 
So  forth  they  both  yfere  9  make  their  progress, 

1  Certes,  certainly.  6  Mote,  might. 

2  Lore,  advice.  6  Disprofess,  renounce. 

3  With  proof  of  last  extremity,  7  Dress,  dispose. 

i.e.  with  a  supreme  effort.  8  Forwandred,  strayed  away. 

4  Boot,  advantage.  9  Yfere,  together. 


BRITOMART.  105 

And  march,  not  past  the  mountenance  of  a  shot,1 
Till  they  arrived  whereas2  their  purpose  they  did 
plot. 

21  There  they,  dismounting,  drew  their  weapons  bold, 
And  stoutly  came  unto  the  castle  gate, 
Whereas  no  gate  they  found  them  to  withhold, 
Nor  ward  3  to  wait  at  morn  and  evening  late ; 

But  in  the  porch,  that  did  them  sore  amate,* 
A  flaming  fire  ymixt  with  smouldry  smoke 
And  stinking  sulphur,  that  with  grisly6  hate 
And  dreadful  horror  did  all  entrance  choke, 
Enforced  them  their  forward  footing  to  revoke.6 

22  Greatly  thereat  was  Britomart  dismayed, 

Ne  in  that  stownd 7  wist  8  how  herself  to  bear  ; 
For  danger  vain  it  were  to  have  assayed 
That  cruel  element,  which  all  things  fear, 
Ne  none  can  suffer  to  approachen  near : 
And,  turning  back  to  Scudamour,  thus  said  : 
"  What  monstrous  enmity  provoke  we  here  ? 
Foolhardy  as  th'  Earth's  children,9  the  which  made 
Battle  against  the  gods,  so  we  a  god  invade. 

23  "Danger  without  discretion  to  attempt, 
Inglorious,  beast-like,  is  :  therefore,  Sir  Knight, 

1  The  mountenance  of  a  shot,  i.e.  6  Revoke,  draw  back, 
the  distance  of  a  bow-shot.  7  Stownd,  exigency. 

2  Whereas,  where.  8  Wist,  knew. 

3  Ward,  guard.  9  Th"  Earth's  children,   i.e.  the 

4  Amate,  daunt.  Giants   and   the   Titans,    the   off- 

5  Grisly,  terrible.  spring  of  Uranus  and  Ge  (earth). 


106  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Aread l  what  course  of  you  is  safest  dempt,2 
And  how  we  with  our  foe  may  come  to  fight." 
"This  is,"  quoth  he,  "the  dolorous  despite,3 
Which  erst 4  to  you  I  plained  5 :  for  neither  may 
This  fire  be  quenched  by  any  wit  or  might, 
Ne  yet  by  any  means  removed  away ; 
So  mighty  be  th'  enchantments  which  the  same  do 
stay.6 

24  "  What  is  there  else  but  cease  these  fruitless  pains, 
And  leave  me  to  my  former  languishing  ! 

Fair  Amoret  must  dwell  in  wicked  chains, 

And  Scudamore  here  die  with  sorrowing  ! " 

"  Perdy,7  not  so,"  said  she;  "for  shameful  thing 

It  were  t'  abandon  noble  chevisance,8 

For  show  of  peril,  without  venturing : 

Rather,  let  try  extremities  of  chance 

Then  enterprised  praise  for  dread  to  disavance."9 

25  Therewith  resolved  to  prove  her  utmost  might, 
Her  ample  shield  she  threw  before  her  face, 
And  her  sword's  point  directing  forward  right 
Assailed  the  flame  ;  the  which  eftsoons 10  gave  place, 
And  did  itself  divide  with  equal  space, 

That  through  she  passed,  as  a  thunderbolt 
Pierceth  the  yielding  air,  and  doth  displace 

1  Aread,  declare.  6  Plained,  lamented. 

2  Dempt,  deemed.  6  Stay,  maintain. 
8  Dolorous  despite,  grievous  vex-  "  Perdy,  truly. 

ation.  8  Chevisance,  enterprise. 

4  Erst,  first.  9  Disavance,  retreat  from. 

10  Eftsoons,  immediately. 


BRITOMART.  107 

The  soaring  clouds  into  sad1  show'rs  ymolt  2; 
So  to  her  yold3  the  flames,  and   did  their  force 
revolt.4 

26  Whom  whenas  Scudamour  saw  past  the  fire 
Safe  and  untouched,  he  likewise  gan  assay 
With  greedy  will  and  envious  desire, 

And  bade  the  stubborn  flames  to  yield  him  way  : 
But  cruel  Mulciber  5  would  not  obey 
His  threatful  pride,  but  did  the  more  augment 
His  mighty  rage,  and  with  imperious  sway 
Him  forced,  maulgre  6  his  fierceness,  to  relent, 
And  back  retire  all  scorched  and  pitifully  brent.7 

27  With  huge  impatience  he  inly  swelt,8 

More  for  great  sorrow  that  he  could  not  pass 
Then  for  the  burning  torment  which  he  felt ; 
That  with  fell  woodness  9  he  effierced 10  was, 
And,  wilfully  him  throwing  on  the  grass, 
Did  beat  and  bounce  his  head  and  breast  full  sore : 
The  whiles  the  championess  now  entered  has 
The  utmost n  room,  and  passed  the  foremost  door  ; 
The  utmost  room  abounding  with  all  precious  store  : 

28  For,  round  about,  the  walls  y clothed  were 
With  goodly  arras  K  of  great  majesty, 

1  Sad,  heavy.  6  Maulgre,  in  spite  of. 

2  Ymolt,  melted.  7  Brent,  burned. 

3  Yold,  yielded.  8  Swelt,  died. 

4  Revolt,  turn  back.  9  Fell  ivoodness,  fierce  madness. 

5  Mulciber,  a  surname  given  to  10  Effierced,  enraged. 
Vulcan,  the  god  of  fire  who  pre-  n  Utmost,  outermost, 
sided  over  the  working  of  metals.  12  Arras,  tapestry. 


108  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Woven  with  gold  and  silk  so  close  and  near 
That  the  rich  metal  lurked  privily, 
As  feigning  to  be  hid  from  envious l  eye ; 
Yet  here,  and  there,  and  everywhere,  unwares, 
It  showed  itself  and  shone  unwillingly ; 
Like  to  a  discoloured2  snake,  whose  hidden  snares3 
Through  the  green  grass  his  long  bright  burnished 
back  declares. 

29  And  in  those  tapets 4  weren  fashioned 
Many  fair  portraits,  and  many  a  fair  feat ; 
And  all  of  love,  and  all  of  lustyhed,  5 

As  seemed  by  their  semblant,6  did  entreat 7 : 
And  eke 8  all  Cupid's  wars  they  did  repeat, 
And  cruel  battles,  which  he  whilom  9  fought 
Gainst  all  the  gods  to  make  his  empire  great  ; 
Besides  the  huge  massacres,  which  he  wrought 
On  mighty  kings  and  kesars10  into  thraldom  brought. 

30  Ne  u  did  he  spare  (so  cruel  was  the  elf) 

His  own  dear  mother,  (ah !  why  should  he  so  ?) 
Ne  did  he  spare  sometime  to  prick  himself, 
That  he  might  taste  the  sweet  consuming  woe, 
Which  he  had  wrought  to  many  others  moe.12 


1  Envious,   malignant,  mischie-  6  Semblant,  appearance, 
vous.  7  Entreat,  treat. 

2  Discoloured,  party-colored.  8  Eke,  also. 

8  Snares,  i.e.  coils.  9  Whilom,  formerly. 

4  Tapets,  tapestries.  10  Kesars,  emperors. 

5  Lustyhed,  lustfulness.  n  Ne,  nor. 

12  Moe,  more. 


BRITOMART.  109 

31  Kings,  queens,  lords,  ladies,  knights,  and  damsels 

gent,1 

Were  heaped  together  with  the  vulgar  sort, 
And  mingled  with  the  rascal  rabblement,2 
Without  respect  of  person  or  of  port,3 
To  show  Dan  4  Cupid's  pow'r  and  great  effort  : 
And  round  about  a  border  was  entrailed  5 
Of  broken  bows  and  arrows  shivered  short ; 
And  a  long  bloody  river  through  them  railed,6 
So  lively,  and  so  like,  that  living  sense  it  failed.7 

32  And  at  the  upper  end  of  that  fair  rowme8 
There  was  an  altar  built  of  precious  stone 
Of  passing9  value  and  of  great  renowme,10 
On  which  there  stood  an  image  all  alone 

Of  massy  gold,  which  with  his  own  light  shone ; 
And  wings  it  had  with  sundry  colours  dight,11 
More  sundry  colours  then  the  proud  pavone  K 
Bears  in  his  boasted  fan,  or  Iris  13  bright, 
When  her  discoloured   bow  she  spreads  through 
heaven's  height. 

33  Blindfold  he  was ;  and  in  his  cruel  fist 

A  mortal 14  bow  and  arrows  keen  did  hold, 

1  Gent,  noble.  7  Failed,  deceived. 

2  Rascal    rabblement,    common  8  Rowme,  room, 
rabble.  9  Passing,  surpassing. 

8  Port,  carriage,  bearing.  10  Renowme,  renown. 

*  Dan,  equivalent  to  master  or  n  Dight,  adorned, 

sir.  12  Pavone,  peacock. 

6  Entrailed,  entwined.  w  Iris,  the  goddess  of  the  rain- 

6  Railed,  rolled.  bow. 

14  Mortal,  death-giving. 


110  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

With  which  he  shot  at  random  when  him  list,1 
Some  headed  with  sad  2  lead,  some  with  pure  gold  ; 
(Ah  !  man,  beware  how  thou  those  darts  behold  !) 
A  wounded  dragon  under  him  did  lie, 
Whose  hideous  tail  his  left  foot  did  enfold, 
And  with  a  shaft  was  shot  through  either  eye, 
That  no  man  forth  might  draw,  ne  no  man  remedy. 

34  And  underneath  his  feet  was  written  thus : 
Unto  the  victor  of  the  gods  this  be ; 

And  all  the  people  in  that  ample  house 
Did  to  that  image  bow  their  humble  knee, 
And  oft  committed  foul  idolatree. 
That  wondrous  sight  fair  Britomart  amazed, 
Ne  seeing  could  her  wonder  satisfy, 
But  ever  more  and  more  upon  it  gazed, 
The  whiles  the  passing  brightness  her  frail  senses 
dazed. 

35  Tho,3  as  she  backward  cast  her  busy  eye 
To  search  each  secret  of  that  goodly  stead,4 
Over  the  door  thus  written  she  did  spy : 
Be  bold.     She  oft  and  oft  it  over  read, 

Yet  could  not  find  what  sense  it  figured  : 

But  whatso  were  therein  or  writ  or  meant, 

She  was  no  whit  thereby  discouraged 

From  prosecuting  of  her  first  intent, 

But  forward  with  bold  steps  into  the  next  room  went. 

1  When  him  list,  i.e.  when   he  2  Sad,  heavy, 

desired.  8  Tho,  then. 

4  Stead,  place. 


BRITOMART.  Ill 

36  Much  fairer  then  the  former  was  that  room. 
And  richlier,  by  many  parts  l  arrayed  ; 

For  not  with  arras  made  in  painful  loom, 
But  with  pure  gold,  it  all  was  overlaid, 
Wrought  with  wild  antics  2  which  their  follies  played 
In  the  rich  metal,  as  they  living  were  : 
A  thousand  monstrous  forms  therein  were  made, 
Such  as  false  Love  doth  oft  upon  him  wear ; 
For  Love  in  thousand  monstrous  forms  doth  oft 
appear. 

37  And,  all  about,  the  glist'ring  walls  were  hong 
With  warlike  spoils  and  with  victorious  praise 
Of  mighty  conquerors  and  captains  strong, 
Which  were  whilom  captived  in  their  days 

To  cruel  Love,  and  wrought  their  own  decays  3 : 
Their  swerds 4  and  spears  were  broke,  and  hauberks  6 

rent, 

And  their  proud  girlonds  of  triumphant  bays 
Trodden  in  dust  with  fury  insolent, 
To  show  the  victor's  might  and  merciless  intent. 

38  The  warlike  maid,  beholding  earnestly 
The  goodly  ordinance  6  of  this  rich  place, 
Did  greatly  wonder ;  ne  could  satisfy 

Her  greedy  eyes  with  gazing  a  long  space  : 
But  more  she  marvelled  that  no  footing's  trace 
Nor  wight  appeared,  but  wasteful  emptiness 

1  By  many  parts,  i.e.  by  many  4  Swerds,  swords, 
times.  6  Hauberks,  coats  of  mail. 

2  A ntics,  fantastic  figures.  6  Ordinance,    orderly    arrange- 
8  Decays,  ruins.                                    ment. 


112  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  solemn  silence  over  all  that  place : 

Strange  thing  it  seemed,  that  none  was  to  possess 

So  rich  purveyance,1  ne  them  keep  with  carefulness. 

39  And,  as  she  looked  about,  she  did  behold 
How  over  that  same  door  was  likewise  writ, 
Be  bold,  Be  bold,  and  everywhere,  Be  bold ; 
That  much  she  mused,  yet  could  not  construe  it 
By  any  riddling  skill  or  common  wit. 

At  last  she  spied  at  that  room's  upper  end 
Another  iron  door,  on  which  was  writ, 
Be  not  too  bold ;  whereto  though  she  did  bend 
Her  earnest    mind,  yet   wist2  not  what   it   might 
intend. 

40  Thus  she  there  waited  until  eventide, 
Yet  living  creature  none  she  saw  appear. 
And  now  sad  3  shadows  gan  the  world  to  hide 
From  mortal  view,  and  wrap  in  darkness  drear; 
Yet  nould  she  d'off 4  her  weary  arms,  for  fear 
Of  secret  danger,  ne  let  sleep  oppress 

Her  heavy  eyes  with  nature's  burden  dear, 

But  drew  herself  aside  in  sickerness,5 

And  her  well  pointed  weapons  did  about  her  dress.6 

1  Purveyance,  furniture.  *  Nould  she  d'off,  i.e.  she  would 

2  Wist,  knew.  not  take  off. 

8  Sad,  heavy.  5  Sickerness,  safety. 

6  Dress,  dispose. 


VIII. 

Britomart  witnesses  the  Mask  of  Cupid  and  frees  Amoret  from  the 
power  of  the  enchanter. 

1  THO,  whenas  cheerless  night  ycovered  had 
Fair  heaven  with  an  universal  cloud, 

That 1  every  wight  dismayed  with  darkness  sad  2 

In  silence  and  in  sleep  themselves  did  shroud, 

She  heard  a  shrilling  trumpet  sound  aloud, 

Sign  of  nigh  battaill,  or  got  victory : 

Nought  therewith  daunted  was  her  courage  proud, 

But  rather  stirred  to  cruel  enmity, 

Expecting  ever  when  some  foe  she  might  descry. 

2  With  that,  an  hideous  storm  of  wind  arose, 
With  dreadful  thunder  and  lightning  atwixt, 
And  an  earthquake,  as  if  it  straight  would  lose  3 
The  world's  foundations  from  his  centre  fixed  : 
A  direful  stench  of  smoke  and  sulphur  mixed 
Ensued,4  whose  noyance  5  filled  the  fearful  stead  6 
From  the  fourth  hour  of  night  until  the  sixt ; 
Yet  the  bold  Britoness  was  nought  ydread,7 
Though  much  emmoved,8  but  steadfast  still  perse"- 

vered. 

1  That,  so  that.  6  Noyance,  annoyance. 

2  Sad,  heavy.  6  Stead,  place. 

8  Lose,  loosen.  7  Ydread,  terrified. 

4  Ensued,  followed.  8  Emmoved,  moved. 


114  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

3  All  suddenly  a  stormy  whirlwind  blew 
Throughout  the  house,  that  clapped  every  door, 
With  which  that  iron  wicket  open  flew, 

As  it  with  mighty  levers  had  been  tore ; 
And  forth  issued,  as  on  the  ready  floor 
Of  some  theatre,  a  grave  personage, 
That  in  his  hand  a  branch  of  laurel  bore, 
With  comely  haviour l  and  count'nance  sage, 
Yclad  in  costly  garments  fit  for  tragic  stage. 

4  Proceeding  to  the  midst  he  still  did  stand, 
As  if  in  mind  he  somewhat  had  to  say ; 
And  to  the  vulgar2  beck'ning  with  his  hand, 
In  sign  of  silence,  as  to  hear  a  play,3 

By  lively  actions  4  he  gan  bewray  5 
Some  argument6  of  matter  passioned7; 
Which  done,  he  back  retired  soft  away, 
And,  passing  by,  his  name  discovered, 
EASE,  on  his  robe  in  golden  letters  ciphered.8 

5  The  noble  maid,  still  standing,  all  this  viewed, 
And  marvelled  at  his  strange  intendiment 9 : 
With  that  a  joyous  fellowship  issued 

1  Haviour,  behavior. 

2  Vulgar,  common  people.  *  Actions,  pronounced  as  a  word 
8  As  to  hear  a  play.     In  Eliza-       of  three  syllables. 

beth's  time  each  act  of  a  tragedy  6  Bewray,  disclose. 

was  usually  preceded  by  a  dumb  6  Argument,  subject. 

show  in  which   the  argument   of  7  Passioned,  represented. 

the  act  was  given.    The  play  acted  8  Ciphered,    written    in    occult 

before  the  king  in  Shakespeare's       characters. 

"  Hamlet  "  is  preceded  by  a  dumb  9  Intendiment,  meaning. 

show. 


BRITOMART.  115 

Of  minstrels  making  goodly  merriment, 
With  wanton  bards,  and  rhymers  impudent ; 
All  which  together  sang  full  cheerfully 
A  lay  of  love's  delight  with  sweet  concent l : 
After  whom  marched  a  jolly  company, 
In  manner  of  a  mask,2  enranged  3  orderly. 

6  The  whiles  a  most  delicious  harmony 

In  full  strange  notes  was  sweetly  heard  to  sound, 

That  the  rare  sweetness  of  the  melody 

The  feeble  senses  wholly  did  confound, 

And  the  frail  soul  in  deep  delight  nigh  drowned  : 

And,  when  it  ceased,  shrill  trumpets  loud  did  bray, 

That  their  report  did  far  away  rebound ; 

And,  when  they  ceased,  it  gan  again  to  play, 

The  whiles  the  maskers  marched  forth  in  trim  array. 

7  The  first  was  Fancy,4  like  a  lovely  boy 
Of  rare  aspect  and  beauty  without  peer, 
Matchable  either  to  that  imp  5  of  Troy, 

Whom  Jove  did  love  and  chose  his  cup  to  bear6; 
Or  that  same  dainty  lad,  which  was  so  dear 
To  great  Alcides,7  that,  whenas  he  died, 
He  wailed  womanlike  with  many  a  tear, 
And  every  wood  and  every  valley  wide 
He   filled  with    Hylas'   name;    the    nymphs    eke8 
"  Hylas  "  cried. 

*  Fancy,  capricious  love. 

1  Concent,  harmony.  6  Imp,  child,  youth. 

2  Mask,  a  dramatic  and  musical  6  That  imp  of  Troy,  etc.,  Gany- 
production,  such  as   Milton's       mede. 

"  Comus."  7  Alcides,  Hercules. 

3  Enranged,  arranged.  8  Eke,  likewise. 


116  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

8  His  garment  nether  was  of  silk  nor  say,1 
But  painted  plumes  in  goodly  order  dight,2 
Like  as  the  sunburnt  Indians  do  array 
Their  tawny  bodies,  in  their  proudest  plight : 

As  those  same  plumes,  so  seemed  he  vain  and  light, 

That  by  his  gait  might  easily  appear; 

For  still  he  fared  3  as  dancing  in  delight, 

And  in  his  hand  a  windy  fan  did  bear, 

That  in  the  idle  air  he  moved,  still  here  and  there. 

9  And  him  beside  marched  amorous  Desire, 
Who  seemed  of  riper  years  than  th'  other  swain, 
Yet  was  that  other  swain  this  elder's  sire, 

And  gave  him  being,  common  to  them  twain  : 

His  garment  was  disguised  very  vain, 

And  his  embrodered  bonnet 4  sat  awry : 

Twixt    both    his    hands  few  sparks   he  close6  did 

strain, 

Which  still  he  blew  and  kindled  busily, 
That  soon  they  life  conceived,  and  forth  in  flames 

did  fly. 

10  Next  after  him  went  Doubt,  who  was  yclad 
In  a  discoloured  6  coat  of  strange  disguise, 
That  at  his  back  a  broad  capuccio  7  had, 
And  sleeves  dependant 8  Albanese-wise  9 ; 
He  looked  askew  with  his  mistrustful  eyes, 

1  Say,  satin.  6  Discoloured,  party-colored. 

2  Dight,  disposed.  7  Capuccio,  hood. 

8  Fared,  passed  along.  8  Dependant,  hanging  down. 

4  Bonnet,  cap.  9  Albanese-wise,  Albanian  fash- 

6  Close,  secretly.  ion. 


BRITOMART.  117 

And  nicely 1  trod,  as  thorns  lay  in  his  way, 
Or  that  the  floor  to  shrink  he  did  avise  2 ; 
And  on  a  broken  reed  he  still  did  stay 
His  feeble  steps,  which  shrunk  when  hard  thereon 
he  lay. 

1 1  With  him  went  Danger,  clothed  in  ragged  weed  3 
Made  of  bear's  skin,  that  him  more  dreadful  made ; 
Yet  his  own  face  was  dreadful,  ne  did  need 
Strange  4  horror  to  deform  his  grisly  5  shade  : 

A  net  in  th'  one  hand,  and  a  rusty  blade 
In  th'  other  was ;  this  mischief,  that  mishap  ; 
With  th'  one  his  foes  he  threatened  to  invade, 
With  th'  other  he  his  friends  meant  to  enwrap6 : 
For  whom  he  could  not  kill  he  practised 7  to  entrap. 

12  Next  him  was  Fear,  all  armed  from  top  to  toe, 
Yet  thought  himself  not  safe  enough  thereby, 
But  feared  each  shadow  moving  to  or  fro ; 
And,  his  own  arms  when  glittering  he  did  spy 
Or  clashing  heard,  he  fast  away  did  fly, 

As  ashes  pale  of  hue,  and  winged  heeled  ; 
And  evermore  on  Danger  fixed  his  eye, 
Gainst  whom  he  always  bent  a  brazen  shield, 
Which  his  right  hand  unarmed  fearfully8  did  wield. 

13  With  him  went  Hope  in  rank,  a  handsome  maid, 
Of  cheerful  look  and  lovely  to  behold; 

1  Nicely,  carefully.  6  Grisly,  dreadful. 

2  Avise,  perceive.  6  Enwrap,  involve  in  difficulty. 
8  Weed,  garment.  7  Practised,  plotted. 

4  Strange,  foreign,  or  borrowed.  8  Fearfully,  with  fear. 


118  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

In  silken  samite 1  she  was  light  arrayed, 
And  her  fair  locks  were  woven  up  in  gold : 
She  always  smiled,  and  in  her  hand  did  hold 
An  holy-water-sprinkle,  dipt  in  deowe,2 
With  which  she  sprinkled  favours  manifold 
On  whom  she  list,  and  did  great  liking  sheowe,3 
Great  liking  unto  many,  but  true  love  to  feowe.4 

14  And  after  them  Dissemblance5  and  Suspect6 
Marched  in  one  rank,  yet  an  unequal  pair ; 
For  she  was  gentle  and  of  mild  aspect, 
Courteous  to  all  and  seeming  debonair,7 
Goodly  adorned  and  exceeding  fair  ; 

Yet  was  that  all  but  painted  and  purloined, 

And  her  bright  brows  were  decked  with  borrowed 

hair  ; 

Her  deeds  were  forged,  and  her  words  false  coined, 
And  always  in   her  hand  two  clews8  of  silk  she 

twined  : 

1 5  But  he  was  foul,  ill  favoured,  and  grim, 
Under  his  eyebrows  looking  still 9  askance  ; 
And  ever,  as  Dissemblance  laughed  on  him, 
He  low' red  on  her  with  dangerous  eye-glance, 
Showing  his  nature  in  his  countenance ; 

His  rolling  eyes  did  never  rest  in  place, 

1  Samite,  silk    stuff   sometimes  6  Dissemblance,  dissimulation, 
inwrought  with  gold.                                   6  Suspect,  suspicion. 

2  Deowe,  dew.  7  Debonair,  gracious. 
8  Sheowe,  show.  8  Clews,  balls. 

4  Feowe,  few.  9  Still,  always. 


BRITOMART.  119 

But  walked  l  each  where  for  fear  of  hid  mischance, 
Holding  a  lattice  still  before  his  face, 
Through  which  he  still  did  peep  as  forward  he  did 
pace. 

1 6  Next  him  went  Grief  and  Fury  matched  yfere2  ; 
Grief  all  in  sable  sorrowfully  clad, 

Down  hanging  his  dull  head  with  heavy  cheer,3 
Yet  inly  being  more  then  seeming  sad  : 
A  pair  of  pincers  in  his  hand  he  had, 
With  which  he  pinched  people  to  the  heart, 
That  from  thenceforth  a  wretched  life  they  lad,4 
In  wilful  languor  and  consuming  smart, 
Dying  each  day  with   inward  wounds  of  dolour's 
dart. 

17  But  Fury  was  full  ill  apparalled 

In  rags,  that  naked  nigh  she  did  appear, 
With  ghastly  looks  and  dreadful  drearihead  6 ; 
For  from  her  back  her  garments  she  did  tear, 
And  from  her  head  oft  rent  her  snarled  hair  : 
In  her  right  hand  a  firebrand  she  did  toss 
About  her  head,  still  roaming  here  and  there ; 
As  a  dismayed  deer  in  chase  embossed,6 
Forgetful  of  his  safety,  hath  his  right  way  lost. 

1 8  After  them  went  Displeasure  and  Pleasance 7 ; 
He  looking  lumpish  8  and  full  sullen  sad, 

1  Walked,  rolled.  5  Drearihead,  sorrow. 

2  Yfere,  together.  6  Embossed,  hard  pressed. 
8  Cheer,  coutenance.  7  Pleasance,  pleasure. 

4  Lad,  led.  8  Lumpish,  heavy,  melancholy. 


120  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

•  And  hanging  down  his  heavy  countenance ; 
She  cheerful,  fresh,  and  full  of  joyance  glad, 
As  if  no  sorrow  she  ne  felt  ne  drad  1 ; 
That  evil  matched  pair  they  seemed  to  be  : 
An  angry  wasp  th'  one  in  a  vial  had, 
Th'  other  in  hers  an  honey-laden  bee. 
Thus  marched  these  six  couples  forth  in  fair  degree.2 

19  After  all  these  there  marched  a  most  fair  dame,3 
Led  of  two  grysie4  villeins6;  th'  one  Despite,6 
The  other  cleped 7  Cruelty  by  name  : 

She  doleful  lady,  like  a  dreary  sprite 

Called  by  strong  charms  out  of  eternal  night, 

Had  death's  own  image  figured  in  her  face, 

Full  of  sad  signs,  fearful  to  living  sight ; 

Yet  in  that  horror  showed  a  seemly  grace, 

And  with  her  feeble  feet  did  move  a  comely  pace. 

20  Her  breast  all  naked,  as  net 8  ivory 
Without  adorn  of  gold  or  silver  bright 
Wherewith  the  craftsman  wonts  it  beautify,9 
Of  her  due  honour  was  despoiled  quite ; 
And  a  wide  wound  therein  (O  rueful  sight  !) 
Entrenched  deep  with  knife  accursed  keen, 
Yet  freshly  bleeding  forth  her  fainting  sprite,10 

1  Drad,  dreaded.  6  Despite,  malice,  spite. 

2  Degree,  step.  7  Cleped,  called. 
8  A  most  fair  dame,  i.e.  Amoret,            8  Net,  pure. 

the  wife  of  Scudamore.  9  Wonts  it  beautify,  i.e.  is  accus- 

4  Grysie,  squalid.  tomed  to  beautify  it. 
6  Villeins,  base-born  or  inferior  10  Sprite,  spirit. 

persons. 


BRITOMART.  121 

(The  work  of  cruel  hand)  was  to  be  seen, 

That  dyed  in  sanguine -I  red  her  skin  all  snowy  clean : 

2 1  At  that  wide  orifice  her  trembling  heart 
Was  drawn  forth,  and  in  silver  basin  laid, 
Quite  through  transfixed  with  a  deadly  dart, 
And  in  her  blood  yet  steaming  fresh  embayed.2 
And  those  two  villeins  which  her  steps  upstayed, 
When  her  weak  feet  could  scarcely  her  sustain, 
And  fading  vital  powers  gan  to  fade, 

Her  forward  still  with  torture  did  constrain, 
And  evermore  increased  her  consuming  pain. 

22  Next  after  her,  the  winged  god3  himself 
Came  riding  on  a  lion  ravenous, 
Taught  to  obey  the  menage  4  of  that  elf 
That  man  and  beast  with  pow'r  imperious 
Subdueth  to  his  kingdom  tyrannous  : 
His  blindfold  eyes  he  bade  awhile  unbind, 
That  his  proud  spoil  of  that  same  dolorous 
Fair  dame  he  might  behold  in  perfect  kind  6 ; 
Which  seen,  he  much  rejoiced  in  his  cruel  mind. 

23  Of  which  full  proud,  himself  uprearing  high, 
He  looked  round  about  with  stern  disdain, 
And  did  survey  his  goodly  company ; 

And,  marshalling  the  evil-ordered  train, 

With  that  the  darts  which  his  right  hand  did  strain 

1  Sanguine,  the  color  of  blood.  *  Menage,    manege,    horseman- 

2  Embayed,  bathed.  ship. 

8  Winged  god,  Cupid.  6  In  perfect  kind,  i.e.  with  perfect 

distinctness. 


122  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Full  dreadfully  he  shook,  that  all  did  quake, 
And  clapped  on  high  his  coloured  winges  twain, 
That  all  his  many 1  it  afraid  did  make  : 
Tho,  blinding  him  again,  his  way  he  forth  did 
take. 

24  Behind  him  was  Reproach,  Repentance,  Shame ; 
Reproach  the  first,  Shame  next,  Repent  behind  : 
Repentance  feeble,  sorrowful,  and  lame  ; 
Reproach  despiteful,  careless,  and  unkind  ; 
Shame  most  ill-favoured,  bestial,  and  blind  : 
Shame  low'red,  Repentance  sighed,  Reproach  did 

scold ; 

Reproach  sharp  stings,  Repentance  whips  entwined, 
Shame  burning  brond-irons  in  her  hands  did  hold  : 
All  three  to  each  unlike,  yet  all  made  in  one 

mould. 

25  And  after  them  a  rude  confused  rout 

Of  persons  flocked,  whose  names  is  hard  to  read 2 : 
Amongst  them  was  stern  Strife ;  and  Anger 

stout 3 ; 

Unquiet  Care  ;  and  fond  Unthriftyhead  4 ; 
Lewd  Loss  of  Time ;  and  Sorrow  seeming  dead ; 
Inconstant  Change  ;  and  false  Disloyality ; 
Consuming  Riotise  5 ;  and  guilty  Dread 
Of  heavenly  vengeance ;  faint  Infirmity  ; 
Vile  Poverty ;  and,  lastly,  Death  with  infamy. 

1  Many,  company.  4  Fond    Unthrifty  head,   foolish 

2  Read,  tell.  thriftlessness. 

3  Stout,  dauntless.  6  Riotise,  riotousness. 


BRITOMART.  123 

26  There  were  full  many  moe l  like  maladies, 
Whose  names  and  natures  I  note  readen  2  well ; 
So  many  moe,  as  there  be  fantasies 

In  wavering  women's  wit,  that  none  can  tell, 

Or  pains  in  love,  or  punishments  in  hell : 

All  which,  disguised,  marched  in  masking-wise 

About  the  chamber  by  the  damosel ; 

And  then  returned,  having  marched  thrise, 

Into  the  inner  room  from  whence  they  first  did  rise.3 

27  So  soon  as  they  were  in,  the  door  straightway 
Fast  locked,  driven  with  that  stormy  blast 
Which  first  it  opened,  and  bore  all  away. 

Then  the  brave  maid,  which  all  this  while  was  plast 4 

In  secret  shade,  and  saw  both  first  and  last, 

Issued  forth  and  went  unto  the  door 

To  enter  in,  but  found  it  locked  fast : 

In  vain  she  thought  with  rigorous  uproar 

For  to  efforce,5  when  charms  had  closed  it  afore. 

28  Where  force  might  not  avail,  there  sleights  and  art 
She  cast 6  to  use,  both  fit  for  hard  emprise 7 : 
Forthy 8  from  that  same  room  not  to  depart 

Till  morrow  next  she  did  herself  avise,9 
When  that  same  mask  again  should  forth  arise. 
The  morrow  next  appeared  with  joyous  cheer, 
Calling  men  to  their  daily  exercise  : 

1  Moe,  more.  6  Efforce,  force. 

2  Note  readen,  cannot  tell.  6  Cast,  planned. 

8  Rise,  come  forth.  7  Emprise,  undertaking. 

*  Plast,  placed.  8  Forthy,  therefore. 

9  Avise,  bethink. 


124  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Then  she,  as  morrow  fresh,  herself  did  rear 
Out  of  her  secret  stand  that  day  for  to  outwear.1 

29  All  that  day  she  outwore  in  wandering 
And  gazing  on  that  chamber's  ornament, 
Till  that  again  the  second  evening 

Her  covered  with  her  sable  vestiment, 
Wherewith  the  world's  fair  beauty  she  hath  blent2  : 
Then,  when  the  second  watch3  was  almost  past, 
That  brazen  door  flew  open,  and  in  went 
Bold  Britomart,  as  she  had  late  forecast,4 
Neither  of  idle  shows  nor  of  false  charms  aghast. 

30  So  soon  as  she  was  entered,  round  about 
She  cast  her  eyes  to  see  what  was  become 
Of  all  those  persons  which  she  saw  without. 

But  lo !  they  straight  were  vanished  all  and  some6  ; 
Ne  living  wight  she  saw  in  all  that  room, 
Save  that  same  woful  lady  ;  both  whose  hands 
Were  bounden  fast,  that  did  her  ill  become,6 
And  her  small  waist  girt  round  with  iron  bands 
Unto  a  brazen  pillar,  by  the  which  she  stands. 

3 1  And,  her  before,  the  vile  enchanter  sate, 
Figuring  strange  characters  of  his  art ; 
With  living  blood  he  those  characters  wrate,7 

1  Outwear,  pass.  6  All  and  some,  i.e.  one  and  all. 

2  Blent,  obscured.  6  That  did  her  ill  become,   i.e. 
8  The   second  -watch    began   at       such   treatment  was  unworthy  of 

nine  and  ended  at  twelve.  her. 

4  Forecast,   previously   deter-  7  Wrate,  wrote, 

mined. 


BRITOMART.  125 

Dreadfully  dropping  from  her  dying  heart, 
Seeming  transfixed  with  a  cruel  dart ; 
And  all  perforce  to  make  her  him  to  love. 
Ah  !  who  can  love  the  worker  of  her  smart ! 
A  thousand  charms  he  formerly  did  prove 1 ; 
Yet  thousand  charms  could  not  her  steadfast  heart 
remove. 

32  Soon  as  that  virgin  knight  he  saw  in  place, 
His  wicked  books  in  haste  he  overthrew, 
Not  caring  his  long  labours  to  deface2; 
And,  fiercely  running  to  that  lady  true, 

A  murd'rous  knife  out  of  his  pocket  drew, 

The  which  he  thought,  for  villainous  despite, 

In  her  tormented  body  to  imbrue  3 : 

But  the  stout 4  damsel,  to  him  leaping  light, 

His  cursed  hand  witheld,  and  maistered  his  might. 

33  From  her,  to  whom  his  fury  first  he  meant, 
The  wicked  weapon  rashly  he  did  wrest,5 
And,  turning  to  herself  6  his  fell  intent, 
JJnwares  it  strooke  into  her  snowy  chest, 
That  little  drops  empurpled  her  fair  breast. 
Exceeding  wroth  therewith  the  virgin  grew, 
Albe  7  the  wound  were  nothing  deep  impressed, 
And  fiercely  forth  her  mortal  blade  she  drew, 

To  give  him  the  reward  for  such  vile  outrage  due. 

1  Did  prove,  made  trial  of.  *  Stout,  valiant,  undaunted. 

2  Not  caring,  etc.,  i.e.  not  caring  6  Rashly  he  did  -wrest,  quickly 
for  the  fact  that  he  might  destroy       he  turned  aside. 

the  result  of  his  long  labors.  6  Herself,  i.e.  Britomart. 

8  Imbrue,  moisten.  7  Albe,  although. 


126  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

34  So  mightily  she  smote  him,  that  to  ground 

He  fell  half  dead  ;  next  stroke  him  should  have  slain, 
Had  not  the  lady,  which  by  him  stood  bound, 
Dernly 1  unto  her  called  to  abstain 
From  doing  him  to  die  2 ;  for  else  her  pain 
Should  be  remediless ;  sith  3  none  but  he 
Which  wrought  it  could  the  same  recure  again. 
Therewith  she  stayed  her  hand,  loath  stayed  to  be  ; 
For  life  she  him  envied,4  and  longed  revenge  to  see  : 

35  And  to  him  said  :  "Thou  wicked  man,  whose  meed 
For  so  huge  mischief  and  vile  villainy 

Is  death,  or  if  that  ought  do  death  exceed  ; 
Be  sure  that  nought  may  save  thee  from  to  die 
But  if5  that  thou  this  dame  do  presently 
Restore  unto  her  health  and  former  state  ; 
This  do,  and  live ;  else  die  undoubtedly." 
He,  glad  of  life,  that  looked  for  death  but  late, 
Did  yield  himself  right  willing  to  prolong  his  date  : 

36  And,  rising  up,  gan  straight  to  overlook  6 
Those  cursed  leaves,  his- charms  back  to  reverse. 
Full  dreadful  things  out  of  that  baleful  book 
He  read,  and  measured  many  a  sad 7  verse, 
That  horror  gan  the  virgin's  heart  to  perse,8 
And  her  fair  locks  up  stared  9  stiff  on  end, 
Hearing  him  those  same  bloody  lines  rehearse ; 

1  Dernly,  sadly.  6  But  if,  unless. 

2  Doing  him  to  die,  causing  him  6  Overlook,  look  over. 

to  die.  7  Sad,  i.e.  of  great  import. 

8  Sith,  since.  8  Perse,  pierce. 

*  Envied,  grudged.  9  Up  stared,  stood  up. 


BRITOMART.  127 

And,  all  the  while  he  read,  she  did  extend 

Her  swordhigh  over  him,  if  ought  he  did  offend.1 

37  Anon  she  gan  perceive  the' house  to  quake, 
And  all  the  doors  to  rattle  round  about ; 
Yet  all  that  did  not  her  dismayed  make, 

Nor  slack  her  threatful  hand  for  danger's  doubt,2 
But  still  with  steadfast  eye  and  courage  stout 
Abode,  to  weet 3  what  end  would  come  of  all : 
At  last  that  mighty  chain,  which  round  about 
Her  4  tender  waist  was  wound,  adown  gan  fall, 
And  that  great  brazen  pillar  broke  in  pieces  small. 

38  The  cruel  steel,  which  thrilled  5  her  dying  heart, 
Fell  softly  forth,  as  of  his  own  accord ; 

And  the  wide  wound,  which  lately  did  dispart 6 
Her  bleeding  breast  and  riven  bowels  gored, 
Was  closed  up,  as  it  had  not  been  bored ; 
And  every  part  to  safety  full  sound, 
As  she  were  never  hurt,  was  soon  restored  : 
Tho,7  when  she  felt  herself  to  be  unbound 
And    perfect    whole,  prostrate    she   fell    unto   the 
ground ; 

39  Before  fair  Britomart  she  fell  prostrate, 
Saying  :  "  Ah  !  noble  knight,  what  worthy  meed 
Can  wretched  lady,  quit  from  woful  state, 
Yield  you  in  lieu  of  this  your  gracious  deed  ? 

1  If  ought  he  did  offend,  i.e.  in  4  Her ;  this  refers,  of  course,  to 
case  he  should  do  any  harm.  the  lady,  Amoret. 

2  Danger 's  doubt,  apprehension  6  Thrilled,  pierced, 
of  danger.  6  Dispart,    divide. 

8  Weet,  know.  7  Tho,  then. 


128  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Your  virtue  self  her  own  reward  shall  breed, 
Even  immortal  praise  and  glory  wide, 
Which  I,  your  vassal,  by  your  prowess  freed, 
Shall  through  the  world  make  to  be  notified,1 
And    goodly   well    advance    that    goodly  well    was 
tried."2 

40  But  Britomart  uprearing  her  from  ground, 
Said :  "  Gentle  dame,  reward  enough  I  ween,3 
For  many  labours  more  then  I  have  found, 
This,  that  in  safety  now  I  have  you  seen, 
And  mean  4  of  your  deliverance  have  been  : 
Henceforth,  fair  lady,  comfort  to  you  take, 
And  put  away  remembrance  of  late  teen  5 ; 
Instead  thereof,  know  that  your  loving  make6 
Hath  no  less  grief  endured  for  your  gentle  sake." 

41  She  much  was  cheered  to  hear  him  mentioned,7 
Whom  of  all  living  wights  she  loved  best. 
Then  laid  the  noble  championess  strong  hond  8 
Upon  th'  enchanter  which  had  her  distressed 
So  sore,  and  with  foul  outrages  oppressed  : 
With  that  great  chain,  wherewith  not  long  ygoe 
He  bound  that  piteous  lady  prisoner  now  relest, 
Himself  she  bound,  more  worthy  to  be  so, 

And  captive  with  her  led  to  wretchedness  and  woe. 

1  Notified,  proclaimed.  *  Mean,  means. 

2  And  goodly  well  advance,  etc.,  6  Teen,  sorrow. 
i.e.  and  do  my  best  to  extol  the  6  Make,  mate. 

valor  which  was  so  well  tried.  n  Mentioned ;  the  second  syllable 

8  Ween,  think.  pronounced  as  two  syllables. 

8  Hond,  hand. 


6RITOMART.  129 

42  Returning  back,  those  goodly  rooms,  which  erst l 
She  saw  so  rich  and  royally  arrayed, 

Now  vanished  utterly  and  clean  subversed2 
She  found,  and  all  their  glory  quite  decayed,3 
That  sight  of  such  a  change  her  much  dismayed. 
Thenceforth,  descending  to  that  perlous  *  porch, 
Those  dreadful  flames  she  also  found  delayed 5 
And  quenched  quite,  like  a  consumed  torch, 
That  erst  all  ent'rers  wont  so  cruelly  to  scorch. 

43  More  easy  issue  now  then  entrance  late 

She  found  ;  for  now  that  feigned6  dreadful  flame, 
Which  choked  the  porch  of  that  enchanted  gate 
And  passage  barred  to  all  that  thither  came, 
Was  vanished  quite,  as  it  were  not  the  same, 
And  gave  her  leave  at  pleasure  forth  to  pass. 
Th'  enchanter  self,  which  all  that  fraud  did  frame 
To  have  efforced 7  the  love  of  that  fair  lass, 
Seeing  his  work  now  wasted,  deep  engrieved  was. 

44  But  when  the  victoress  arrived  there 
Where  late  she  left  the  pensife  Scudamore 
With  her  own  trusty  squire,  both  full  of  fear, 
Neither  of  them  she  found  where  she  them  lore8: 
Thereat  her  noble  heart  was  'stonished  sore ; 
But  most  fair  Amoret,  whose  gentle  sprite9 
Now  gan  to  feed  on  hope,  which  she  before 

1  Erst,  first.  6  Feigned,  i.e.  not  real,  but  pro- 

2  Subversed,  overturned.  duced  by  magic. 

8  Decayed,  destroyed.  "  Efforced,  forced. 

4  Perlous,  perilous.  8  Lore,  left. 

8  Delayed,  abated.  9  Sprite,  spirit. 


130  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Conceived  had,  to  see  her  own  dear  knight, 

Being  thereof  beguiled,  was  filled  with  new  affright. 

45   But  he,  sad  man,  when  he  had  long  in  dread 
Awaited  there  for  Britomart's  return, 
Yet  saw  her  not,  nor  sign  of  her  good  speed, 
His  expectation  to  despair  did  turn, 
Misdeeming l  sure  that  her  those  flames  did  burn ; 
And  therefore  gan  advise  with  her  old  squire, 
Who  her  dear  nursling's  loss  no  less  did  mourn, 
Thence  to  depart  for  further  aid  t'  enquire  : 
Where  let  them  wend  at  will,  whilst  here  I  do  respire. 

1  Misdeeming,  mistakenly  judging. 


IX. 

During  an  adventure  at  a  castle,  Amoret  learns  that  her  deliverer  is 
a  woman.  The  maidens  soon  after  meet  Paridell  and  Blandamour,  and 
their  companions,  Duessa  and  Ate.  Later,  Scudamour  and  Glauce  come 
upon  the  scene. 

1  OF  lovers'  sad  calamities  of  old 

» 

Full  many  piteous  stories  do  remain, 
But  none  more  piteous  ever  was  ytold 
Then  that  of  Amoret's  heart-binding  chain, 
And  this  of  Florimell's  unworthy  pain  : 
The  dear  compassion  of  whose  bitter  fit * 
My  softened  heart  so  sorely  doth  constrain, 
That  I  with  tears  full  oft  do  pity  it, 
And  oftentimes  do  wish  it  never  had  been  writ. 

2  For,  from  the  time  that  Scudamour  her  bought 2 
In  perilous  fight,  she  never  joyed  day; 

A  perilous  fight !  when  he  with  force  her  brought 

From  twenty  knights  that  did  him  all  assay  3 ; 

Yet  fairly  well  he  did  them  all  dismay,4 

And  with  great  glory  both  the  shield  of  love 

And  eke  the  lady  self  he  brought  away  6 ; 

Whom  having  wedded,  as  did  him  behoove, 

A  new  unknowen  mischief  did  from  him  remove. 

1  Fit,  stroke,  misfortune.  6  And  with  great  glory,  etc.     In 

a  Bought,  ransomed.  Book  IV,  Canto  X,  the  poet  des- 

8  Assay,  assail.  cribes  the  shield  of  love  and  tells 

*  Dismay,  overpower.  how  Scudamore  won  Amoret. 


132  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

3  For  that  same  vile  enchanter  Busyran, 

The  very  self  same  day  that  she  was  wedded, 
Amidst  the  bridal  feast,  whilst  every  man 
Surcharged  with  wine  were  heedless  and  ill-headed, 

Brought    in    that    Mask  of    Love  which   late  was 

showen  ; 

And  there  the  lady  ill  of  friends  bestedded,1 
By  way  of  sport,  as  oft  in  masks  is  knowen, 
Conveyed  quite  away  to  living  wight  unknowen. 

4  Seven  months  he  so  her  kept  in  bitter  smart, 

Until  such  time  as  noble  Britomart 
Released  her,  that  else  was  like  to  sterve  2 
Through  cruel  knife  that  her  dear  heart  did  kerve  3 ; 
And  now  she  is  with  her  upon  the  way 
Marching  in  lovely  4  wise,  that  could  deserve 
No  spot  of  blame,  though  spite  did  oft  assay 
To  blot  her  5  with  dishonour  of  so  fair  a  prey. 

5  Yet  should  it  be  a  pleasant  tale,  to  tell 
The  diverse  usage,  and  demeanour  daint,6 
That  each  to  other  made,  as  oft  befell : 
For  Amoret  right  fearful  was  and  faint,7 


1  Bestedded,  assisted.  7  For  Amoret  right  fearful,  etc. 

2  Sterve,  die.  Amoret  knew  that  she  owed  every- 
8  Kerve,  carve,  cut.  thing  to  Britomart  whom  she  sup- 
*  Lovely,  affectionate.  posed,  of  course,  to  be  a  man.     She 
6  Her,  i.e.  Britomart.  feared    that    her   deliverer   might 
6  Demeanour  daint,  delicate  con-       desire  her  love. 

duct. 


BRITOMART.  133 

That  every  word  did  tremble  as  she  spake, 
And  every  look  was  coy  and  wondrous  quaint,1 
And  every  limb  that  touched  her  2  did  quake ; 
Yet  could  she  not  but  courteous  countenance  to 
her  make. 

6  For  well  she 3  wist,  as  true  it  was  indeed, 
That  her  life's  lord  and  patron  of  her  health  4 
Right  well  deserved,  as  his  dueful  meed, 
Her  love,  her  service,  and  her  utmost  wealth  : 
All  is  his  justly  that  all  freely  deal'th.6 


7  Thereto  her  fear  was  made  so  much  the  greater, 
Through  fine  abusion  6  of  that  Briton  maid 7 ; 
Who,  for  to  hide  her  feigned  sex  the  better 
And  mask  her  wounded  mind,8  both  did  and  said 
Full  many  things  so  doubtful  to  be  weighed, 
That  well  she  wist  not  what  by  them  to  guess  : 


8  It  so  befell  one  evening  that  they  came 
Unto  a  castle,  lodged  there  to  be, 
Where  many  a  knight,  and  many  a  lovely  dame, 
Was  then  assembled  deeds  of  arms  to  see  : 

1  Quaint,  nice,  reserved.  6  Deal  '(A,  dealeth  ;  distributes, 

2  Her,  i.e.  Britomart.  gives. 

8  She,  i.e.  Amoret.  6  Abusion,  deception. 

4  Patron  of  her  health,  defender  7  Briton  maid,  i.e.  Britomart. 

of  her  safety.  8  Her  wounded  mind,   i.e. 

wounded   from   love  of  Artegall. 


134  THE  FAERY  QUEENS. 

Amongst  all  which  was  none  more  fair  then  she,1 
That  many  of  them  moved  to  eye  her  sore. 


It  was  the  custom  at  this  castle  to  allow  those  knights  only  to  enter 
who  were  accompanied  by  ladies. 

9  Amongst  the  rest  there  was  a  jolly2  knight, 
Who,  being  asked  for  his  love,  avowed 
That  fairest  Amoret  was  his  by  right, 
And  off' red  that  to  justify3  aloud. 
The  warlike  virgin,  seeing  his  so  proud 
And  boastful  challenge,4  wexed  6  inly  wroth, 
But  for  the  present  did  her  anger  shroud ; 
And  said,  her  love  to  lose  she  was  full  loath, 
But   either  he  should   neither   of   them  have,   or 
both. 


10  So  forth  they  went,  and  both  together  jousted  ; 
But  that  same  younker6  soon  was  overthown, 
And  made  repent  that  he  had  rashly  lusted 
For  thing  unlawful  that  was  not  his  own  : 
Yet  since  he  seemed  valiant,  though  unknown, 
She,  that  no  less  was  courteous  then  stout,7 
Cast  how  to  salve,8  that  both  the  custom  shown  9 


1  She,  i.e.  Amoret.  T  Stout,  brave. 

2  Jolly,  handsome.  8  Cast  how  to  salve,  planned  how 
8  Justify,  prove.  to  secure,  to  arrange. 

*  Challenge,  claim.  9  Shown,  published  ;  i.e.  the  cus- 

6  Wexed,  waxed,  became.  torn  that  no  knight  might  enter  the 

6  Younker,  stripling.  castle  unless  he  had  a  lady-love. 


BRITOMART.  135 

Were  kept,  and  yet  that  knight  not  locked  out ; 
That  seemed  full  hard  t'  accord  two  things  so  far  in 
doubt.  l 

1 1  The  seneschal 2  was  called  to  deem  3  the  right  ; 
Whom  she  required,  that  first  fair  Amoret 
Might  be  to  her  allowed,  as  to  a  knight 

That  did  her  win  and  free  from  challenge  set : 
Which  straight  to  her  was  yielded  without  let 4 : 
Then,  since  that  strange  knight's  love  from  him 

was  quitted,5 

She  claimed  that  to  herself,  as  lady's  debt, 
He  as  a  knight  might  justly-  be  admitted  ; 
So  none  should  be  out  shut,  sith  all  of  loves  were 

fitted. 

12  With  that,  her  glist'ring  helmet  she  unlaced ; 
Which  doft,  her  golden  locks,  that  were  upbound 
Still 6  in  a  knot,  unto  her  heels  down  traced,7 
And  like  a  silken  veil  in  compass  8  round 
About  her  back  and  all  her  body  wound  : 

Like  as  the  shining  sky  in  summer's  night, 
What  time  the  days  with  scorching  heat  abound, 
Is  crested  all  with  lines  of  fi'ry  light, 
That  it  prodigious  seems  in  common  people's  sight. 

1  So  far  in  doubt ;    a  peculiar  3  Deem,  judge, 
expression  which  seems  to  mean,  4  Let,  hindrance,  opposition. 
so  difficult  to  reconcile.  6  Quitted,  taken. 

2  Seneschal,  an  officer  who  had  6  Still,  always. 

the  superintendence  of  feasts  and  7  Down  traced,  i.e.  fell  down, 

domestic  ceremonies  ;   a  steward.  8  In  compass,  in  a  circle. 


136  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

13  Such,  when  those  knights  and  ladies  all  about 
Beheld  her,  all  were  with  amazement  smit, 
And  every  one  gan  grow  in  secret  doubt 

Of  this  and  that,  according  to  each  wit l : 

Some  thought  that  some  enchantment  feigned  it 2 ; 

Some,  that  Bellona3  in  that  warlike  wise 

To  them  appeared,  with  shield  and  armour  fit ; 

Some,  that  it  was  a  mask  of  strange  disguise  : 

So  diversely  each  one  did  sundry  doubts  devise. 

14  But  that  young  knight,  which  through  her  gentle 

deed 

Was  to  that  goodly  fellowship  restored, 
Ten  thousand  thanks  did  yield  her  for  her  meed, 
And,  doubly  overcommen,  her  adored  : 
So  did  they  all  their  former  strife  accord; 


When  the  time  for  rest  came,  the  two  girls  sought  their  couch,  — 

1 5   Where  all  that  night  they  of  their  loves  did  treat, 
And  hard  adventures,  twixt  themselves  alone, 
That  each  the  other  gan  with  passion 4  great 
And  grieful  pity  privately  bemoan. 
The  morrow  next,  so  soon  as  Titan  5  shone, 
They  both  uprose  and  to  their  ways  them  dight 6 : 
Long  wand'red  they,  yet  never  met  with  none 

1  According    to    each    wit,    i.e.  8  Bellona,  the  goddess  of  war. 
each  had  his  own  way  of  interpret-  *  Passion,  suffering,  sorrow, 
ing  the  wonder.  5  Titan,  Hyperion,  the  sun-god. 

2  Feigned   it,    i.e.  produced    it  6  To  their  ways  them  dight,  made 
as  an  illusion.  ready  to  start  on  their  way. 


BRITOMART.  137 

That  to  their  wills  could  them  direct  aright, 
Or   to   them    tidings    tell    that   mote  their   hearts 
delight. 

1 6  Lo  !  thus  they  rode,  till  at  the  last  they  spied 
Two  armed  knights,  that  toward  them  did  pace,1 
And  each  of  them  had  riding  by  his  side 

A  lady,  seeming  in  so  far  a  space2; 

But  ladies  none  they  were,  albe  in  face 

And  outward  show  fair  semblance  they  did  bear ; 

For  under  mask  of  beauty  and  good  grace 

Vile  treason  and  foul  falsehood  hidden  were, 

That  mote  3  to  none  but  to  the  wary  wise  appear. 

1 7  The  one  of  them  the  false  Duessa  4  hight,5 
That  now  had  changed  her  former  wonted  hue 6 ; 
For  she  could  don  so  many  shapes  in  sight, 

As  ever  could  chameleon  colours  new ; 

So  could  she  forge  all  colours,  save  the  true  : 

The  other  no  whit  better  was  then  she, 

But  that,  such  as  she  was,  she  plain  did  shew ; 

Yet  otherwise  much  worse,  if  worse  might  be, 

And  daily  more  offensive  unto  each  degree.7 

1 8  Her  name  was  Ate,8  mother  of  debate 
And  all  dissension  which  doth  daily  grow 

1  Pace,  step.  in    the   first    book   of    the    Faery 

2  A    lady   seeming,  etc.,  i.e.   at       Queene,  representing  falsehood, 
that  distance  she  seemed  to  be  a  6  Hight,  was  called. 

lady.  6  Hue,  form,  appearance. 

8  Mote,  might.  7  Unto  each  degree,  i.e.  to  people 

4  Duessa,  a  character  portrayed       of  all  kinds,  high  and  low. 
8  Ate,  goddess  of  discord. 


138  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Amongst  frail  men,  that  many  a  public  state 
And  many  a  private  oft  doth  overthrow. 
Her  false  Duessa,  who  full  well  did  know 
To  be  most  fit  to  trouble  noble  knights 
Which  hunt  for  honour,  raised  from  below 
Out  of  the  dwellings  of  the  damned  sprites, 
Where  she  in  darkness  wastes  her  cursed  days  and 
nights. 

19  Hard  by  the  gates  of  hell  her  dwelling  is; 

There,  whereas 1  all  the  plagues  and  harms  abound 
Which  punish  wicked  men  that  walk  amiss  : 
It  is  a  darksome  delve  2  far  under  ground, 
With  thorns  and  barren  brakes  environed  round, 
That  none  the  same  may  easily  out-win  3 ; 
Yet  many  ways  to  enter  may  be  found, 
But  none  to  issue  forth  when  one  is  in  : 
For  discord  harder  is  to  end  then  to  begin. 

20  And  all  within,  the  riven  4  walls  were  hung 
With  ragged  monuments  of  times  forepast,6 
All  which  the  sad  effects  of  discord  sung : 

There  were  rent  robes  and  broken  sceptres  plast 6 ; 
Altars  defiled,  and  holy  things  defast 7 ; 
Disshivered 8  spears  and  shields  ytorn  in  twain ; 
Great  cities  ransacked,  and  strong  castles  rast 9 ; 
Nations  captived,  and  huge  armies  slain  : 
Of  all  which  ruins  there  some  relics  did  remain. 

1  Whereas,  where.  6  Plast,  placed. 

2  Delve,  dell.  7  Defast,  defaced. 

8  Out-win,  get  out  of.  8  Disshivered,  shivered  in  pieces. 

4  Riven,  rent,  broken.  9  Rast,    rased,    razed,    levelled 

5  Forepast,  bygone.  with  the  ground. 


BRITOMART.  139 

21  Her  mate,  he  was  a  jolly1  youthful  knight, 
That  bore  great  sway  in  arms  and  chivalry, 
And  was  indeed  a  man  of  mickle  2  might ; 
His  name  was  Blandamour,3  that  did  descry  4 
His  fickle  mind  full  of  inconstancy  : 

And  now  himself  he  fitted  had  right  well 
With  two  companions  of  like  quality, 
Faithless  Duessa,  and  false  Paridell, 
That  whether6  were  more  false,  full  hard  it  is  to 
tell. 

22  Now  when  this  gallant  with  his  goodly  crew 
From  far  espied  the  famous,  Britomart, 
Like  knight  adventurous  in  outward  view, 
With  his  fair  paragon,6  his  conquest's  part,7 
Approaching  nigh ;  eftsoones  8  his  wanton  heart 
Was  tickled  with  delight,  and  jesting  said  : 

"  Lo  !  there,  Sir  Paridell,  for  your  desart,9 
Good  luck  presents  you  with  yon  lovely  maid, 
For  pity  that  ye  want  a  fellow  for  your  aid." 

23  By  that  the  lovely  pair  drew  nigh  to  hond  10  : 
Whom  whenas  Paridell  more  plain  beheld, 
Albe  n  in  heart  he  like  affection  fond,12 


1  Jolly,  handsome.  7  His   conquest's  part,   i.e.  the 

2  Mickle,  great.  prize  gained  by  conquest. 

3  Blandamoitr,  i.e.  flattering,  de-  8  Eftsoones,  immediately, 
ceitful  love.  9  Desart,  desert,  reward. 

4  Descry,  denote.  10  Hond,  hand. 

5  Whether,  which  of  the  two.  n  Albe,  although. 

6  Paragon,  companion.  12  Fond,  found. 


140  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Yet  mindful  how  he  late  by  one  was  felled  1 

That  did  those  arms  and  that  same  scutcheon  weld,2 

He  had  small  lust 3  to  buy  his  love  so  dear, 

But  answered  :    "  Sir,  him  wise  I  never  held, 

That,  having  once  escaped  peril  near, 

Would  afterwards  afresh  the  sleeping  evil  rear.4 

24  "  This  knight  too  late  his  manhood  and  his  might 
I  did  assay,  that  me  right  dearly  cost ; 

Ne  list  1 6  for  revenge  provoke  new  fight, 
Ne  for  light  lady's  love,  that  soon  is  lost." 
The  hot-spur  6  youth  7  so  scorning  to  be  crossed, 
"Take  then  to  you  this  dame  of  mine,"  quoth  he,    " 
"  And  I,  without  your  peril  or  your  cost, 
Will  challenge8  yond  same  other  for  my  fee."9 
So  forth  he  fiercely  pricked,10  that  one  him  scarce 
could  see. 

25  The  warlike  Britoness  her  soon  addressed,11 
And  with  such  uncouth 12  welcome  did  receive 
Her  fained  paramour,13  her  forced  guest, 
That,  being  forced  his  saddle  soon  to  leave, 

1  Yet  mindful  how  he  late  by  one  5  Ne  list  I,  i.e.  nor  do  I  desire. 
was  felled.      Paridell    was    over-  6  Hot-spur,  headstrong. 

come  by  Britomart  when  they  Strug-  7  The  hot-spur  youth,  i.e.  Blanda- 

gled  together  before  Malbecco's  mour. 

Castle.     The  poet  seems  to  have  8  Challenge,  claim. 

forgotten    the   fact    that    Paridell  9  Fee,  property. 

discovered  later,  when   Britomart  10  Pricked,  rode,  using  spurs. 

doffed  her  helmet,  that  the  daunt-  n  Her  soon  addressed,  soon  made 

less  knight  was  a  woman.  ready. 

2  Weld,  wield.  12  Uncouth,  strange,  unexpected. 
8  Lust,  desire.  13  Her  fained  paramour,  i.e.  the 
4  Rear,  rouse.  would-be  lover. 


BRITOMART.  141 

Himself  he  did  of  his  new  love  deceive 1 ; 

And  made  himself  th'  ensample  of  his  folly. 

Which  done,  she  passed  forth,  not  taking  leave, 

And  left  him  now  as  sad  as  whilom2  jolly, 

Well  warned  to  beware  with  whom  he  dared  to  dally. 

26  Which  when  his  other  company  beheld, 
They  to  his  succour  ran  with  ready  aid  ; 
And,  finding  him  unable  once  to  weld,3 
They  reared  him  on  horse-back  and  upstayed, 
Till  on  his  way  they  had  him  forth  conveyed  : 
And  all  the  way,  with  wondrous  grief  of  mind 
And  shame,  he  showed  himself  to  be  dismayed 
More  for  the  love  which  he' had  left  behind, 
Then  that  which  he  had  to  Sir  Paridell  resigned. 

27  Nathless4  he  forth  did  march,  well  as  he  might, 
And  made  good  semblance  to  his  company, 
Dissembling  his  disease  and  evil  plight  ; 

Till  that  ere  long  they  chanced  to  espy 
Two  other  knights,  that  towards  them  did  ply 
With  speedy  course,  as  bent  to  charge  them  new  : 
Whom  when  as  Blandamour  approaching  nigh 
Perceived  to  be  such  as  they  seemed  in  view, 
He  was  full  woe,5  and  gan  his  former  grief  renew. 

28  For  th'  one  of  them  he  perfectly  descried 
To  be  Sir  Scudamour,  (by  that  he  bore 
The  god  of  love  with  wings  displayed  wide,) 

1  Deceive,  deprive.  8  Weld,  turn,  move. 

2  Whilom,  formerly.  *  Nathless,  nevertheless. 

5  Woe,  sad. 


142  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Whom  mortally  he  hated  evermore, 
Both  for  his  worth,  that  all  men  did  adore, 
And  eke  *  because  his  love  he  won  by  right : 
Which  when  he  thought,   it  grieved  him  full 

sore, 

That,  through  the  bruises  of  his  former  fight, 
He  now  unable  was  to  wreak 2  his  old  despite.3 

29  Forthy  4  he  thus  to  Paridell  bespake : 

"  Fair  Sir,  of  friendship  let  me  now  you  pray, 
That  as  I  late  adventured  6  for  your  sake, 
The  hurts  whereof  me  now  from  battle  stay, 
Ye  will  me  now  with  like  good  turn  repay, 
And  justify6  my  cause  on  yonder  knight." 
"Ah!  Sir,"  said  Paridell,  "do  not  dismay 
Yourself  for  this  ;  myself  will  for  you  fight, 
As  ye  have  done  for  me:     The  left  hand  rubs  the 
right."  7 

30  With  that  he  put  his  spurs  unto  his  steed, 
With  spear  in  rest,  and  toward  him  did  fare, 
Like  shaft  out  of  a  bow  preventing 8  speed. 
But  Scudamour  was  shortly  well  aware 

Of  his  approach,  and  gan  himself  prepare 
Him  to  receive  with  entertainment  meet. 
So  furiously  they  met,  that  either  bare 


1  Eke,  also.  8  Ad-ventured,  ran  the  risk  of. 

2  Wreak,  revenge.  6  Justify,  vindicate. 

8  Despite,  malice.  7  The   left  hand,  etc.,   i.e.  one 

4  Forthy,  therefore.  good  turn  deserves  another. 

8  Preventing,  coming  before,  surpassing. 


BRITOMART.  143 

The  other  down  under  their  horses'  feet, 
That  what  of  them  became  themselves  did  scarsly 
weet.1 

31  As  when  two  billows  in  the  Irish  sounds, 
Forcibly  driven  with  contrary  tides, 

Do  meet  together,  each  aback  rebounds 

With  roaring  rage ;  and  dashing  on  all  sides, 

That  filleth  all  the  sea  with  foam,  divides 

The  doubtful  current  into  divers  2  ways : 

So  fell  those  two  in  spite  of  both  their  prides  ; 

But  Scudamour  himself  did  soon  upraise, 

And,  mounting  light,  his  foe  for  lying  long  upbrays3 : 

32  Who,  rolled  on  an  heap,  lay  still  in  swound,4 
All  careless  of  his  taunt  and  bitter  rail 5 ; 
Till  that  the  rest,  him  seeing  lie  on  ground, 
Ran  hastily,  to  weet  what  did  him  ail : 
Where  finding  that  the  breath  gan  him  to  fail, 
With  busy  care  they  strove  him  to  awake, 
And  doft  his  helmet,  and  undid  his  mail : 

So  much  they  did,  that  at  the  last  they  brake 
His  slumber,  yet  so  mazed  that  he  nothing  spake. 

33  Which  whenas  Blandamour  beheld,  he  said: 

'"  False  faitour  6  Scudamour,  that  hast  by  sleight 
And  foul  advantage  this  good  knight  dismayed, 
A  knight  much  better  then  thyself  behight,7 

1  Weet,  know.  4  SivoTtnd,  swoon. 

2  Divers,  diverse,  opposite.  6  Rail,  railing. 

3  Upbrays,  upbraids.  6  False  faitour,  false  doer,  traitor. 

7  Behight,  reputed. 


144  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Well  falls  it  thee  that  I  am  not  in  plight,1 
This  day,  to  wreak  the  damage  by  thee  done ! 
Such  is  thy  wont,  that  still  when  any  knight 
Is  weak'ned,  then  thou  dost  him  overrun : 
So  hast  thou  to  thyself  false  honour  often  won." 

34  He  little  answered,  but  in  manly  heart 
His  mighty  indignation  did  forbear  ; 
Which  was  not  yet  so  secret,  but  some  part 
Thereof  did  in  his  frowning  face  appear: 
Like  as  a  gloomy  cloud,  the  which  doth  bear 
An  hideous  storm,  is  by  the  northern  blast 
Quite  overblown,  yet  doth  not  pass  so  clear 
But  that  it  all  the  sky  doth  overcast 

With  darkness  dread,  and  threatens  all  the  world  to 
waste. 

35  "Ah!  gentle  knight,"  then  false  Duessa  said, 
"  Why  do  ye  strive  for  ladies'  love  so  sore, 
Whose  chief  desire  is  love  and  friendly  aid 
Mongst  gentle  knights  to  nourish  ever  more ! 
Ne  2  be  ye  wroth  Sir  Scudamour,  therefore, 
That  she  your  love  list 3  love  another  knight, 
Ne  do  yourself  dislike  a  whit  the  more ; 

For  love  is  free,  and  led  with  self-delight, 

Ne  will  enforced  be  with  maisterdome  4  or  might." 

36  So  false  Duessa:   but  vile  Ate  thus  : 

"  Both  foolish  knights,  I  can  but  laugh  at  both, 

1  Well  falls  it  thee,  etc.,  i.e.  it  is  2  Ne,  nor. 

well   for   you   that    I    am   not    in  8  List,  likes  to,  chooses  to. 

condition.  *  Maisterdome,  rule,  mastery. 


BRITOMART.  145 

That  strive  and  storm  with  stir  outrageous, 
For  her,  that  each  of  you  alike  doth  loth,1 
And  loves  another,  with  whom  now  she  goth 
In  lovely  wise,  ...... 

Whilst  both  you  here  with  many  a  cursed  oath 

Swear  she  is  yours,  and  stir  up  bloody  frays, 

To  win  a  willow  bough,  whilst  other  wears  the  bays."2 

37  "Vile  hag,"  said  Scudamour,  "why  dost  thou  lie, 
And  falsely  seekst  a  virtuous  wight  to  shame  ? " 
"  Fond3  knight,"  said  she,  "the  thing  that  with  this 

eye 

I  saw,  why  should  I  doubt4  to  tell  the  same  ? " 
"  Then  tell,"  quoth  Blandamour,  "  and  fear  no  blame  ; 
Tell  what  thou  saw'st,  maulgre  whoso  it  hears."  5 


Ate  then  told  how  she  had  seen  a  strange  knight  making  love  to 
Amoret.  She  did  not  know  his  name,  but  in  his  shield  he  bore  the 
heads  of  many  broken  spears.  "  And,"  the  hag  went  on,  "  I  saw  him 
kiss  ;  I  saw  him  her  embrace." 

38 

Which  when  as  Scudamour  did  hear,  his  heart 
Was  thrilled  with  inward  grief  ;  as  when  in  chase 
The  Parthian  strikes  a  stag  with  shivering  dart, 
The  beast  astonished  stands  in  middest  of  his  smart6; 

1  Loth,  loathe.  »  Fond,  foolish. 

2  To  win  a  willow   bough,  etc.  4  Doubt,  fear. 

The  willow  was  the  sign  of  the  for-  5  Maulgre  whoso  it  hears,  i.e.  no 

saken  lover  ;  the  bay  was  worn  by  matter  who  hears  it. 

victors.     Britomart,  of  course,  ap-  6  In  middest  of,  etc.,  i.e.  in  the 

pears  to  be  Amoret's  lover  and  her  midst  of  his  pain. 

true  knight. 


146  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

39  So  stood  Sir  Scudamour  when  this  he  heard, 
,Ne  word  he  had  to  speak  for  great  dismay, 

But  looked  on  Glauce  grim,1  who  woxe  2  af eared 

Of  outrage  for  the  words  which  she  heard  say, 

Albe  3  untrue  she  wist 4  them  by  assay.6 

But  Blandamour,  whenas  he  did  espy 

His  change  of  cheer6  that  anguish  did  bewray,7 

He  woxe  full  blithe,  as  he  had  got  thereby,8 

And  gan  thereat  to  triumph  without  victory. 

40  "  Lo  !  recreant,"  said  he,  "the  fruitless  end 
Of  thy  vain  boast,  and  spoil  of  love  misgotten, 
Whereby  the  name  of  knighthood  thou  dost  shend,9 
And  all  true  lovers  with  dishonour  blotten10: 

All  things  not  rooted  well  will  soon  be  rotten." 
"  Fie,  fie,  false  knight,"  then  false  Duessa  cried, 
"  Unworthy  life,  that  love  with  guile  hast  gotten  ; 
Be  thou,  wherever  thou  do  go  n  or  ride, 
Loathed  of  ladies  all,  and  of  all  knights  defied  ! " 

41  But  Scudamour,  for  passing12  great  despite, 
Stayed  not  to  answer  ;  scarcely  did  refrain 
But  that  in  all  those  knights'  and  ladies'  sight 
He  for  revenge  had  guiltless  Glauce  slain: 

1  But    looked  on    Glauce   grim  6  Cheer,  appearance,  counte- 
(grim  refers  of  course  to  Scuda-       nance. 

mour).     For  some  reason,  Glauce  7  Bewray,  betray. 

does  not  choose  to  reveal  the  truth  8  As  he  had  got  thereby,  as 

about  Britomart.  though  he  had  gained  by  this. 

2  Woxe,  grew,  became.  9  Shend,  disgrace. 
8  Albe,  although.  10  Blotlen,  stain. 

*  IVist,  knew.  u  Go,  walk. 

5  Assay,  experience,  knowledge.  12  Passing,  surpassing. 


BRITOMART.  147 

But,  being  past,  he  thus  began  amain  l ; 
"  False  traitor  squire,2  false  squire  of  falsest  knight, 
Why  doth  mine  hand  from  thine  avenge 3  abstain, 
Whose  lord  hath  done  my  love  this  foul  despite  ! 
Why  do  I  not  it  wreak  4  on  thee  now  in  my  might  ! 

42  "  Discourteous,  disloyal  Britomart, 
Untrue  to  God,  and  unto  man  unjust  ! 
What  vengeance  due  can  equal  thy  desart,6 

Let  ugly  shame  and  endless  infamy 
Colour  thy  name  with  foul  reproaches'  rust : 
Yet  thou,  false  squire,  his  fault  shalt  dear  aby,6 
And  with  thy  punishment  his  penance  shalt  supply." 

43  The  aged  dame,  him  seeing  so  enraged, 

Was  dead  with  fear  ;  nathless 7  as  need  required 

His  flaming  fury  sought  to  have  assuaged 

With  sober  words,  that  sufferance 8  desired 

Till  time  the  trial  of  her  truth  expired  9 ; 

And  evermore  sought  Britomart  to  clear: 

But  he  the  more  with  furious  rage  was  fired, 

And  thrice  his  hand  to  kill  her  did  uprear, 

And  thrice  he  drew  it  back :  so  did  at  last  forbear. 

1  Amain,  violently.  5  Desart,  desert. 

2  False  traitor  squire,  i.e.  Glauce.  6  Aby,  pay  for. 

8  From  thine  avenge,  i.e.  from  7  Nathless,  nevertheless, 

taking  vengeance  upon  thee.  8  Sufferance,  patience. 

4  Wreak,  avenge.  9  Expired,  discovered. 


X. 

Satyrane  institutes  a  tournament.  Artegall  appears  on  the  scene. 
Britomart  is  declared  victor  in  the  jousts. 

Sir  Satyrane,  the  knight  whom  Britomart  met  at  the  castle  of  Mal- 
becco  in  company  with  Paridell,  had  by  some  means  come  into  possesion 
of  the  magic  girdle  belonging  to  fair  Florimell,  a  lady  noted  for  her 
beauty.  The  knight  appointed  a  time  and  place  for  a  tournament, 
declaring  that  the  victor  should  be  rewarded  by  the  hand  of  the  fairest 
lady  present,  and  that  she,  as  the  queen  of  beauty,  should  receive  the 
magic  girdle.  Among  others,  Paridell  and  Blandamour  with  their  com- 
panions —  among  whom  was  the  cowardly  Braggadochio  —  decided  to 
enter  the  lists. 

1  .....  .... 

at  length  upon  th'  appointed  day 
Unto  the  place  of  tournament  they  came  ; 
Where  they  before  them  found  in  fresh  array 
Many  a  brave  knight  and  many  a  dainty  dame 
Assembled  for  to  get  the  honor  of  that  game. 

2  There  this  fair  crew  arriving  did  divide 
Themselves  asunder :  Blandamour  with  those 
Of  his  on  th'  one,  the  rest  on  th'  other  side. 
But  boastful  Braggadochio  rather  chose, 

For  glory  vain,  their  fellowship  to  lose, 
That  men  on  him  the  more  might  gaze  alone. 
The  rest  themselves  in  troops  did  else  dispose, 
Like  as  it  seemed  best  to  every  one  ; 
The  knights  in  couples  marched  with  ladies  linked 
attone.1 

1  Attone,  together. 


BRITOMART.  149 

3  Then  first  of  all  forth  came  Sir  Satyrane, 
Bearing  that  precious  relic  in  an  ark 

Of  gold,  that  bad  eyes  might  it  not  profane  ; 

Which  drawing  softly  forth  out  of  the  dark, 

He  open  showed,  that  all  men  it  mote  mark  ; 

A  gorgeous  girdle,  curiously  embossed 

With  pearl  and  precious  stone,  worth  many  a  mark  l ; 

Yet  did  the  workmanship  far  pass  the  cost : 

It  was  the  same  which  lately  Florimell  had  lost. 

4  That  same  aloft  he  hong  in  open  view, 
To  be  the  prize  of  beauty  and  of  might  ; 
The  which,  eftsoones,2  discovered,  to  it  drew 
The  eyes  of  all,  allured  with  close  3  delight, 
And  hearts  quite  robbed  with  so  gloHous  sight, 
That  all  men  threw  out  vows  and  wishes  vain. 
Thrice  happy  lady,  and  thrice  happy  knight, 
Them  seemed,  that  could  so  goodly  riches  gain, 
So  worthy  of  the  peril,  worthy  of  the  pain. 

5  Then  took  the  bold  Sir  Satyrane  in  hand 

An  huge  great  spear,  such  as  he  wont  to  wield, 
And  vauncing  4  forth  from  all  the  other  band 
Of  knights,  addressed  his  maiden-headed  shield, 
Showing  himself  all  ready  for  the  field : 
Gainst  whom  there  singled  from  the  other  side 
A  paynim 5  knight  that  well  in  arms  was  skilled, 

1  Mark,  a  coin  formerly  current  2  Eftsoones,  immediately, 

in  England  and  Scotland,  equal  to  8  Close,  secret, 

thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence.  4  Vauncing,  advancing. 

6  Paynim,  pagan,  infidel. 


150  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  had  in  many  a  battle  oft  been  tried, 
Right 1  Bruncheval  the  bold,  who  fiercely  forth  did 
ride. 

6  So  furiously  they  both  together  met, 

That  neither  could  the  other's  force  sustain : 
As  two  fierce  bulls,  that  strive  the  rule  to  get 
Of  all  the  herd,  meet  with  so  hideous  main,2 
That  both  rebutted  tumble  on  the  plain  ; 
So  these  two  champions  to  the  ground  were  felled  ; 
Where  in  a  maze  they  both  did  long  remain, 
And  in  their  hands  their  idle  truncheons  held, 
Which  neither  able  were  to  wag,3  or  once  to  weld.4 

7  Which  when  the  noble  Ferramont  espied, 
He  pricked  5  forth  in  aid  of  Satyran  ; 
And  him  against  Sir  Blandamour  did  ride 
With  all  the  strength  and  stiffness  that  he  can  ; 
But  the  more  strong  and  stiffly  that  he  ran, 

So  much  more  sorely  to  the  ground  he  fell, 
That  on  an  heap  were  tumbled  horse  and  man  : 
Unto  whose  rescue  forth  rode  Paridell  ; 
But  him  likewise  with  that  same  spear  he  eke 6  did 
quell. 

8  Which  Braggadochio  seeing  had  no  will 
To  hasten  greatly  to  his  party's  aid, 

Albe 7  his  turn  were  next  ;  but  stood  there  still, 

1  flight,  called.  *  Weld,  wield. 

2  Main,  force.  6  Pricked,  rode,  using  spurs. 
8  Wag,  move.  6  Eke,  also. 

7  Albe,  although. 


BRITOMART.  151 

As  one  that  seemed  doubtful  or  dismayed  : 
But  Triamond,  half  wroth  to  see  him  stayed, 
Sternly  stept  forth  and  raught l  away  his  spear, 
With  which  so  sore  he  Ferramont  assayed,2 
That  horse  and  man  to  ground  he  quite  did  bear, 
That  neither  could  in  haste  themselves  again  uprear. 

9  Which  to  avenge  Sir  Devon  him  did  dight,3 
But  with  no  better  fortune  then  the  rest  ; 
For  him  likewise  he  quickly  down  did  smite : 
And  after  him  Sir  Douglas  him  addressed  4 ; 
And  after  him  Sir  Palimord  forth  pressed  ; 
But  none  of  them  against  his  strokes  could  stand  ; 
But,  all  the  more,5  the  more  his  praise  increst 6 : 
For  either  they  were  left  upon  the  land,7 
Or  went  away  sore  wounded  of  his  hapless  hand. 

10  And  now  by  this  Sir  Satyran  abraid8 

Out  of  the  swoon,  in  which  too  long  he  lay  ; 

And  looking  round  about,  like  one  dismayed, 

Whenas  he  saw  the  merciless  affray9 

Which  doughty  Triamond  had  wrought  that  day 

Unto  the  noble  knights  of  Maidenhead, 

His  mighty  heart  did  almost  rend  in  tway 10 

For  very  gall,11  that  rather  wholly  dead 

Himself  he  wished  have  been  then  in  so  bad  a  stead.12 

1  Raught,  snatched.  6  Increst,  increased. 

2  Assayed,  i.e.  attacked.  7  Land,  ground. 
8  Him   did  dight,  i.e.  prepared            8  Abraid,  awoke. 

himself.  9  Affray,  assault. 

4  Him  addressed,  i.e.  made  him-  10  In  tway,  in  two. 

self  ready.  n  Gall,  bitterness,  impatient 

6  But,  all  the  more,  i.e.  the  more  anger, 

there  were  of  them,  la  Stead,  situation. 


152  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

1 1  Eftsoones  he  gan  to  gather  up  around 

His  weapons  which  lay  scattered  all  abrode,1 
And,  as  it  fell,2  his  steed  he  ready  found : 
On  whom  remounting,  fiercely  forth  he  rode, 
Like  spark  of  fire  that  from  the  anvil  glode,3 
There  where  he  saw  the  valiant  Triamond 
Chasing,  and  laying  on  them  heavy  load, 
That  none  his  force  were  able  to  withstond  ; 
So   dreadful  were  his  strokes,  so  deadly  was  his 
hond. 

12  With  that,  at  him  his  beamlike  spear  he  aimed, 
And  thereto  all  his  power  and  might  applied  : 
The  wicked  steel  for  mischief  first  ordained, 
And  having  now  misfortune  got  for  guide, 
Stayed  not  till  it  arrived  in  his  side, 

And  therein  made  a  very  grisly 4  wound, 
That  streams  of  blood  his  armour  all  bedyed. 
Much  was  he  daunted  with  that  direful  stound,6 
That  scarce  he  him  upheld  from  falling  in  a  swound. 

1 3  Yet,  as  he  might,  himself  he  soft  withdrew 
Out  of  the  field,  that  none  perceived  it  plain  : 
Then  gan  the  part 6  of  challengers  anew 

To  range  the  field,  and  victorlike  to  reign, 
That  none  against  them  battle  durst  maintain. 
By  that  the  gloomy  evening  on  them  fell, 
That  forced  them  from  fighting  to  refrain, 

1  Abrode,  abroad.  *  Grisly,  horrible. 

2  As  it  fell,  as  it  happened.  5  Stound ;  here  means  stunning 
8  Glode,  glanced.                                blow. 

9  Part,  party. 


BRITOMART.  153 

And  trumpets'  sound  to  cease  did  them  compel : 
So  Satyrane  that  day  was  judged  to  bear  the  bell.1 

14  The  morrow  next  the  tourney  gan  anew  ; 
And  with  the  first  the  hardy  Satyrane 
Appeared  in  place,  with  all  his  noble  crew : 
On  th'  other  side  full  many  a  warlike  swain 
Assembled  were,  that  glorious  prize  to  gain. 
But  'mongst  them  all  was  not  Sir  Triamond  ; 
Unable  he  new  battle  to  darrain,2 

Through  grievance  of  his  late  received  wound, 
That   doubly  did  him  grieve  when  so  himself  he 
found  : 

1 5  Which  Cambell  seeing,  though  he  could  not  salve,3 
Ne  done  undo,4  yet,  for  to  salve  his  name 

And  purchase  honour  in  his  friend's  behalve, 
This  goodly  counterfesance  6  he  did  frame  : 
The  shield  and  arms,  well  known  to  be  the  same 
Which  Triamond  had  worn,  unwares  to  wight 6 
And  to  his  friend  unwist,7  for  doubt  8  of  blame 
If  he  misdid,9  he  on  himself  did  dight,10 
That  none  could  him  discern  ;  and  so  went  forth  to 
fight. 

1  Bear  the  bell ;   this  meant  to  5  Counterfesance,  here,  disguise 
bear  away  the  bell  as  a  prize  in  a            6  Unwares  to  wight,  unbeknown 
race  ;    and  hence  to  win  in  any-       to  any  one. 

thing,  to  be  superior.  T  Unwist,  unbeknown. 

2  Darrain,  wage.  8  Doubt,  fear. 

*  Salve,  save,  help.  9  Misdid,  did  amiss. 

*  Ne  done  undo,  i.e.  nor  undo  10  Dight,  i.e.  put  on. 
what  had  been  done. 


154  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

1 6  There  Satyrane  lord  of  the  field  he  found, 
Triumphing  in  great  joy  and  jollity  ; 

Gainst  whom  none  able  was  to  stand  on  ground : 

That  much  he  gan  his  glory  to  envy,1 

And  cast2  t' avenge  his  friend's  indignity  : 

A  mighty  spear  eftsoones  at  him  he  bent  ; 

Who,  seeing  him  come  on  so  furiously, 

Met  him  mid-way  with  equal  hardiment,3 

That  forcibly  to  ground  they  both  together  went. 

17  They  up  again  themselves  can4  lightly  rear, 
And  to  their  tried  swords  themselves  betake  ; 
With  which  they  wrought  such  wondrous  marvels 

there, 

That  all  the  rest  it  did  amazed  make, 
Ne  any  dared  their  peril  to  partake  ; 
Now  cuffing  close,  now  chasing  to  and  fro, 
Now  hurtling  5  round  advantage  for  to  take  : 
As  two  wild  boars  together  grappling  go, 
Chaufing  and  foaming  choler  each  against  his  foe. 

1 8  So  as  they  coursed,  and  tourneyed  here  and  there, 
It  chanced  Sir  Satyrane  his  steed  at  last, 
Whether  through  found'ring  or  through  sudden  fear, 
To  stumble,6  that  his  rider  nigh  he  cast  ; 

Which  vantage  Cambell  did  pursue  so  fast, 
That,  ere  himself  he  had  recovered  well, 

1  His  glory  to  envy,  i.e.  he  felt  *  Can,  gan,  i.e.  did. 

a  grudge  against  him  on  account  6  Hurtling,  skirmishing. 

of  his  glory.  6  ft  chanced  Sir  Satyrane  his 

2  Cast,  planned.  steed,  etc.,  i.e.  it  chanced  that  Sir 
*  Hardiment,  boldness.  Satyrane' s  steed  at  last  stumbled. 


BRITOMART.  155 

So  sore  he  soused  him  1  on  the  compassed  2  crest, 
That  forced  him  to  leave  his  lofty  sell,3 
And  rudely  tumbling  down  under  his  horse'  feet 
fell. 


19  Lightly  Cambello  leapt  down  from  his  steed, 
For  to  have  rent  his  shield  and  arms  away, 
That  whilom  wont  to  be  the  victor's  meed  ; 
When  all  unwares  he  felt  an  hideous  sway 
Of  many  swords  that  load  on  him  did  lay  : 
An  hundred  knights  had  him  enclosed  round, 
To  rescue  Satyrane  out  of  his  prey 4 ; 

All  which  at  once  huge  strokes  on  him  did  pound, 
In  hope  to  take  him  prisoner,  where  he  stood  on 
ground. 

20  He  with  their  multitude  was  nought  dismayed, 
But  with  stout  courage  turned  upon  them  all, 
And  with  his  brond-iron  5  round  about  him  laid  ; 
Of  which  he  dealt  large  alms,  as  did  befall  : 
Like  as  a  lion,  that  by  chance  doth  fall 

Into  the  hunters'  toil,  doth  rage  and  roar, 
In  royal  heart  disdaining  to  be  thrall  : 
But  all  in  vain  :  for  what  might  one  do  more  ? 
They  have  him  taken  captive,  though  it  grieve  him 
sore. 


1  He  soused  him,  i.e.  Cambell  8  Sell,  saddle. 

struck  Satyrane.  *  Out  of  his  prey,  i.e.  out  of  his 

2  Compassed,  rounded.  power. 

6  Brand-iron,  brand-iron,  sword. 


156  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

2 1  Whereof  when  news  to  Triamond  was  brought 
There  as  he  lay,  his  wound  he  soon  forgot, 
And  starting  up  straight  for  his  armour  sought  : 
In  vain  he  sought ;  for  there  he  found  it  not ; 
Cambello  it  away  before  had  got  : 
Cambello's  arms  therefore  he  on  him  threw, 
And  lightly  issued  forth  to  take  his  lot.1 
There  he  in  troop  found  all  that  warlike  crew 
Leading  his  friend  away,  full  sorry  to  his  view.2 

22  Into  the  thickest  of  that  knightly  preasse  3 

He  thrust,  and  smote  down  all  that  was  between, 
Carried  with  fervent  zeal  ;  ne  did  he  cease, 
Till  that  he  came  where  he  had  Cambell  seen 
Like  captive  thrall  two  other  knights  atween  : 
There  he  amongst  them  cruel  havoc  makes, 
That  they  which  led  him  soon  enforced  been 
To  let  him  loose  to  save  their  proper  stakes  4 ; 
Who,  being  freed,  from  one  a  weapon  fiercely  takes. 

23  With  that  he  drives  at  them  with  dreadful  might, 
Both  in  remembrance  of  his  friend's  late  harm, 
And  in  revengement  of  his  own  despite  : 

So  both  together  give  a  new  alarm, 

As  if  but  now  the  battle  waxed  warm. 

As  when  two  greedy  wolves  do  break  by  force 

Into  an  herd,  far  from  the  husband  farm,5 

1  To  take  his  lot,  i.e.  to  try  his  4  To  save  their  proper  stakes,  i.e. 
fortune.  to  secure  their  own  safety. 

2  Full  sorry  to  his  view,  i.e.  a  6  Husband  farm,  i.e.  the    hus- 
sorry  sight  to  him.  bandman's  farm. 

8  Preasse,  press. 


BRITOMART.  157 

They  spoil  and  ravine 1  without  all  remorse  ; 
So  did  these  two  through  all  the  field  their  foes 
enforce.2 

24  Fiercely  they  followed  on  their  bold  emprise,3 
Till  trumpet's  sound  did  warn  them  all  to  rest  : 
Then  all  with  one  consent  did  yield  the  prize 
To  Triamond  and  Cambell  as  the  best  : 

But  Triamond  to  Cambell  it  relest,4 
And  Cambell  it  to  Triamond  transferred  ; 
Each  labouring  t'  advance  the  other's  gest,6 
And  make  his  praise  before  his  own  preferred  : 
So  that  the  doom  6  was  to  another  day  deferred. 

25  The  last  day  came  ;  when  all  those  knights  again 
Assembled  were  their  deeds  of  arms  to  show. 
Full  many  deeds  that  day  were  showed  plain  : 
But  Satyrane,  bove  all  the  other  crew, 

His  wondrous  worth  declared  in  all  men's  view  ; 

For  from  the  first  he  to  the  last  endured  : 

And  though  some  while  fortune  from  him  withdrew, 

Yet  evermore  his  honour  he  recured,7 

And  with  unwearied  pow'r  his  party  still  assured.8 

26  Ne  was  there  knight  that  ever  thought  of  arms, 
But  that  his  utmost  prowess  there  made  knowen  : 
That,  by  their  many  wounds  and  careless  harms,9 

1  Ravine,  plunder.  6  Doom,  decision. 

2  Enforce,  i.e.  drive  before  them.  7  Recured,  recovered. 

3  Emprise,  enterprise.  8  Assured,  secured. 

4  Relest,  released,  let  go.  9  Careless   harms,  uncared   for 

5  Gest,  achievement.  hurts. 


158  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

By  shivered  spears  and  swords  all  under 1  strowen, 
By  scattered  shields,  was  easy  to  be  showen. 
There  might  ye  see  loose  steeds  at  random  run, 
Whose  luckless  riders  late  were  overthrowen  ; 
And  squires  make  haste  to  help  their  lords  fordone2  : 
But  still  the  knights  of  Maidenhead3  the  better  won.4 

27  Till  that  there  ent'red  on  the  other  side 

A  stranger  knight,  from  whence  no  man  could  read,5 
In  quaint 6  disguise,  full  hard  to  be  descried 7 : 
For  all  his  armour  was  like  salvage 8  weed 
With  woody  moss  bedight,9  and  all  his  steed 
With  oaken  leaves  attrapped,10  that  seemed  fit 
For  salvage  wight,  and  thereto  well  agreed 
His  word,11  which  on  his  ragged  shield  was  writ, 
Salvagesse  sans  finesse?*  showing  secret  wit. 

28  He,  at  the  first  incoming,  charged  his  spear 
At  him  that  first  appeared  in  his  sight ; 
That  was  to  weet  the  stout 13  Sir  Sangliere, 
Who  well  was  known  to  be  a  valiant  knight, 
Approved  oft  in  many  a  perlous 14  fight  : 

1  Under,  i.e.  on  the  ground.  Salvage  has  the  meaning  of  the 

2  Fordone,  defeated.  French  sauvage  rather  than  of  our 
8  The   knights  of  Maidenhead,       savage.       Salvage    knight    means 

i.e.  the  knights  owing  allegiance  to  wild  knight,  knight  of  the  woods. 

Gloriana,  the  Faery  Queen.  9  Bedight,  bedecked. 

4  The  better  -won,  i.e.  came  off  10  Attrapped,  adorned, 

victors.  u  Word,  motto. 

6  Read,  tell.  12  Salvagesse  sans  finesse,  wild- 

6  Quaint,  ingenious.  ness  without  art. 

7  Descried,  made  out.  18  Stout,  brave,  dauntless. 

8  Salvage  weed,  wild   dress.  14  Perlous,  perilous. 


BRITOMART.  159 

Him  at  the  first  encounter  down  he  smote, 
And  overbore  beyond  his  crouper  quite  ; 
And  after  him  another  knight,  that  hote 1 
Sir  Brianor,  so  sore,  that  none  him  life  behote.2 

29  Then,  ere  his  hand  he  reared,  he  overthrew 
Seven  knights,  one  after  other,  as  they  came  : 
And,  when  his  spear  was  brust,3  his  sword  he 

drew, 

The  instrument  of  wrath,  and  with  the  same 
Fared4  like  a  lion  in  his  bloody  game, 
Hewing  and  slashing  shields  and  helmets  bright, 
And  beating  down  whatever  nigh  him  came, 
That  every  one  gan  shun  his  dreadful  sight 
No  less  than  death  itself,  in  dangerous  affright. 

30  Much  wond'red  all  men  what  or  whence  he 

came, 

That  did  amongst  the  troops  so  tyrannise  ; 
And  each  of  other  gan  inquire  his  name  : 
But,  when  they  could  not  learn  it  by  no  wise, 
Most  answerable  to  his  wild  disguise 
It  seemed,  him  to  term  the  salvage  knight 
But  certes  5  his  right  name  was  otherwise, 
Though  known  to  few  that  Arthegall 6  he  hight,7 
The  doughtiest  knight  that  lived  that  day,  and  most 

of  might. 

6  Certes,  truly. 

1  Hote,  was  named.  6  Arthegall,   or    Artegall,   the 

2  Behote,  promised.  knight    whose    image    Britomart 
8  Brust,  broken.  had  seen  in  the  magic  mirror. 

*  Fared,  went.  7  Hight,  was  called. 


160  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

31  Thus  was  Sir  Satyrane  with  all  his  band 
By  his  sole  manhood  and  achievement  stout 
Dismayed,  that  none  of  them  in  field  durst  stand, 
But  beaten  were  and  chased  all  about. 

So  he  continued  all  that  day  throughout, 
Till  evening  that  the  sun  gan  downward  bend  : 
Then  rushed  forth  out  of  the  thickest  rout 
A  stranger  knight,  that  did  his  glory  shend J : 
So  nought  may  be  esteemed  happy  till  the  end  ! 

32  He  at  his  entrance  charged  his  pow'rful  spear 
At  Artegall,  in  middest  of  his  pride, 

And  therewith  smote  him  on  his  umbriere  2 
So  sore,  that,  tumbling  back,  he  down  did  slide 
Over  his  horse's  tail  above  a  stride  ; 
Whence  little  lust 3  he  had  to  rise  again. 
Which  Cambell  seeing,  much  the  same  envied.4 
And  ran  at  him  6  with  all  his  might  and  main  ; 
But  shortly  was  likewise  seen  lying  on  the  plain. 

33  Whereat  full  inly  wroth  was  Triamond, 

And  cast 6  t'  avenge  the  shame  done  to  his  friend 
But  by  his  friend  himself  eke  soon  he  fond  7 
In  no  less  need  of  help  then  him  he  weened.8 
All  which  when  Blandamour  from  end  to  end  9 


1  Shend,  shame.  6  Cast,  planned. 

2  Umbriere,  visor.  7  Fond,  found. 

8  Lust,  desire.  8  Then  him  he  weened,  than  he 

4  The    same    envied,    i.e.    was  whom  he  thought  in  need  of  it. 

sorely  vexed    on    account  of   the  9  From  end  to  end,  i.e.  from  be- 

circumstance.  gining  to  end. 
6  Him,  i.e.  the  stranger  knight. 


BRITOMART.  161 

Beheld,  he  woxe 1  therewith  displeased  sore, 
And  thought  in  mind  it  shortly  to  amend  : 
His  spear  he  feutered,2  and  at  him  it  bore  ; 
But  with  no  better  fortune  then  the  rest  afore. 

34  Full  many  others  at  him  likewise  ran  ; 
But  all  of  them  likewise  dismounted  were  : 
Ne  certes  wonder3;  for  no  pow'r  of  man 
Could  bide  the  force  of  that  enchanted  spear, 
The  which  this  famous  Britomart  did  bear  ; 
With  which  she  wondrous  deeds  of  arms  achieved, 
And  overthrew  whatever  came  her  near, 

That  all  those  stranger  knights  full  sore  agrieved, 
And  that  late  weaker  band  of  challengers  relieved. 

35  Like  as  in  summer's  day,  when  raging  heat 
Doth  burn  the  earth  and  boiled  rivers  dry, 
That  all  brute  beasts,  forced  to  refrain  fro  meat,4 
Do  hunt  for  shade  where  shrouded  they  may  lie, 
And,  missing  it,  f ain,  from  themselves  to  fly  5 ; 
All  travellers  tormented  are  with  pain  : 

A  wat'ry  cloud  doth  overcast  the  sky, 
And  poureth  forth  a  sudden  show'r  of  rain, 
That  all  the  wretched  world  recomforteth  again  : 

36  So  did  the  warlike  Britomart  restore 

The  prize  to  knights  of  Maidenhead  that  day, 

-1  Woxe,  became.  4  Meat,  food. 

2  Feutered,  put  in  rest.  5  Fain  from  themselves  to  fly  ; 

8  Ne  certes  wonder,  i.e.  and  cer-  meaning    doubtful.       Prof.    Child 

tainly,  no  wonder.  suggests,  —  act  as  if  they  would  (?). 


162  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Which  else  was  like  to  have  been  lost,1  and  bore 
The  praise  of  prowess  from  them  all  away. 
Then  shrilling  trumpets  loudly  gan  to  bray, 
And  bade  them  leave  their  labours  and  long  toil 
To  joyous  feast  and  other  gentle  play,2 
Where   beauty's    prize    should   win    that    precious 

spoil 3 : 
Where  I  with  sound  of  trump  will  also  rest  awhile. 

1  Like  to  have  been  lost.    Artegall  2  Play,  amusement, 

was  disguised  so  that  no  one  recog-  8  That  precious  spoil,  i.e.  Flori- 

nized  him  as  one  of  the  knights  of  mell's  girdle. 
Maidenhead. 


XL  , 

The  girdle  is  given  to  the  false  Florimell.     Sctidamour  spends  the 
night  in  the  house  of  Care. 

1  IT  hath  been  through  all  ages  ever  seen, 
That  with  the  praise  of  arms  and  chivalry 
The  prize  of  beauty  still  hath  joined  been  ; 
And  that  for  reason's  special  privity1; 
For  either  doth  on  other  much  rely  : 

For  he  me  seems  most  fit  the  fair  to  serve, 
That  can  her  best  defend  from  villainy  ; 
And  she  most  fit  his  service  doth  deserve, 
That  fairest   is,  and  from   her  faith  will  never 
swerve. 

2  So  fitly  now  here  cometh  next  in  place, 
After  the  proof  of  prowess  ended  well, 

The  controverse2  of  beauty's  sovereign  grace  ; 
In  which,  to  her  that  doth  the  most  excel, 
Shall  fall  the  girdle  of  fair  Florimell  ; 
That  many  wish  to  win  for  glory  vain, 
And  not  for  virtuous  use,  which  some  do  tell 
That  glorious  belt,  did  in  itself  contain, 
Which  ladies   ought   to   love,   and   seek  for  to 
obtain. 

1  For  reason  'j  special  privity ;       means  for  a  special  and  particular 
a  peculiar  phrase  which  probably       reason. 

2  Controverse,  controversy. 


164  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

After  telling  how  Vulcan  made  this  precious  ornament  for  his  wife, 
Venus,  "  When  first  he  loved  her  with  heart  entire,"  the  poet  goes  on  :  — 

3  That  goodly  belt  was  Cestus  hight  by  name, 
And  as  her  life  by  her l  esteemed  dear  : 

No  wonder  then,  if  that  to  win  the  same 
So  many  ladies  sought,  as  shall  appear  ; 
For  peerless  she  was  thought  that  it  did  bear. 
And  now  by  this  their  feast  all  being  ended, 
The  judges,  which  thereto  selected  were, 
Into  the  Martian  field  2  adown  descended 
To  deem3  this  doubtful  case,  for  which  they  all 
contended. 

4  But  first  was  question  made,  which  of  those  knights 
That  lately  tourneyed  had  the  wager  won  : 
There  was  it  judged,  by  those  worthy  wights, 
That  Satyrane  the  first  day  best  had  done  : 

For  he  last  ended,  having  first  begun. 

The  second  was  to  Triamond  behight,4 

For  that  he  saved  the  victor  from  fordonne  6 : 

For  Cambell  victor  was,  in  all  men's  sight, 

Till  by  mishap  he  in  his  foemen's  hand  did  light. 

5  The  third  day's  prize  unto  that  stranger  knight, 
Whom  all  men  termed  knight  of  the  hebene  6  spear, 

1  Her,  i.e.  Florimell,  the  right- 
ful owner  of  the  belt.  6  Hebene,   yew.       It   has    been 

2  Martian  field,   the    Campus  supposed  that  hebene  meant  ebony. 
Martius,  field  of  battle.  Dr.  Brinsley  Nicholson  has,  how- 

8  Deem,  judge.  ever,  proved  conclusively  that  this 

4  Behight,  adjudged.  word  stands  for  yew.  Hebenon, 

6  Saved  the  -victor  from  for-  supposed  to  signify  henbane,  has 

donne,  i.e.  saved   the   victor  from  the  same  meaning. 

ruin. 


BRITOMART.  165 

To  Britomart,  was  given  by  good  right  ; 
For  that  with  puissant  stroke  she  down  did  bear 
The  salvage l  knight  that  victor  was  whilere,2 
And  all  the  rest  which  had  the  best  afore, 
And,  to  the  last,  unconquered  did  appear  ; 
For  last  is  deemed  best  :  to  her  therefore 
The  fairest  lady  was  adjudged  for  paramour.3 

6  But  thereat  greatly  grudged  4  Arthegall, 
And  much  repined,  that  both  of  victor's  meed 
And  eke  of  honor  she  did  him  forestall  : 

Yet  mote  he  not  withstand  what  was  decreed  ; 
But  inly  thought  of  that  despiteful 5  deed 
Fit  time  t'  await  avenged  for  to  be. 
This  being  ended  thus,  and  all  agreed, 
Then  next  ensued  the  paragon  to  see 
Of  beauty's  praise,  and  yield  the  fairest  her  due 
fee. 

7  Then  first  Cambello  brought  into  their  view 
His  fair  Cambina  covered  with  a  veale6; 
Which,  being  once  withdrawn,  most  perfect  hue 
And  passing 7  beauty  did  eftsoones  reveal, 
That  able  was  weak  hearts  away  to  steal. 

Next  did  Sir  Triamond  unto  their  sight 

The  face  of  his  dear  Canacee  unheale 8 ; 

Whose  beauty's  beam  eftsoones  did  shine  so  bright, 

That  dazed  the  eyes  of  all,  as  with  exceeding  light. 

1  Salvage,  wild,  woodland.  5  Despiteful,  vexatious,  hateful. 

2  Whilere,  before.  6  Veale,  veil. 

8  Paramour,  sweetheart.  1  Passing,  surpassing. 

*  Grudged,  felt  great  vexation.  8  Unheale,  uncover. 


166  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

8  And  after  her  did  Paridell  produce 

His  false  Duessa,  that  she  might  be  seen  ; 

Who  with  her  forged  beauty  did  seduce 

The  hearts  of  some  that  fairest  did  her  ween  ; 

As  diverse  wits  affected  divers  been.1 

Then  did  Sir  Ferramont  unto  them  show 

His  Lucida,  that  was  full  fair  and  sheen2 : 

And  after  these  an  hundred  ladies  moe3 

Appeared  in  place,  the  which  each  other  did  outgo.4 

9  All  which  whoso  dare  think  for  to  enchase,5 
Him  needeth  sure  a  golden  pen  I  ween 

To  tell  the  feature 6  of  each  goodly  face. 

For,  since  the  day  that  they  created  been, 

So  many  heavenly  faces  were  not  seen 

Assembled  in  one  place  :  ne  he  that  thought 7 

For  Chian 8  folk  to  pourtraict 9  beauty's  queen, 

By  view  of  all  the  fairest  to  him  brought, 

So  many  fair  did  see,  as  here  he  might  have  sought. 

10  At  last,  the  most  redoubted  Britoness 
Her  lovely  Amoret  did  open  show  ; 
Whose  face,  discovered,  plainly  did  express 

1  As   diverse   wits,  etc.,  i.e.  as  6  Feature,  appearance, 
different  minds  are  affected  in  dif-  7  Ne  he  that  thought,  etc.     An 
ferent  ways.                                               allusion  to  the  well-known  picture 

2  Sheen,  radiant.  of  Apelles  of  Cos.     Prof.  Child. 
8  Moe,  more.                                       The  Venus   Anadyomene   was 
4  The  which  each  other  did  outgo,       Apelles' best  picture. 

i.e.  each  of  whom  seemed  to  sur-  8  Chian,  of  or  pertaining  to  the 

pass  the  others.  island  of  Chios  (now  Scio)  in  the 

8  Enchase,  set  forth,  describe.         ^Egean  sea. 
9  Pourtraict,  portray. 


BRITOMART  167 

The  heavenly  portraict  of  bright  angel's  hue. 
Well  weened  all,  which  her  that  time  did  view, 
That  she  should  surely  bear  the  bell  away * ; 
Till  Blandamour,  who  thought  he  had  the  true 
And  very  Florimell,2  did  her  display  : 
The  sight  of  whom  once  seen  did  all  the  rest 
dismay.3 

1 1  For  all  afore  that  seemed  fair  and  bright, 
Now  base  and  contemptible  did  appear, 
Compared  to  her  that  shone  as  Phoebe's4  light 
Amongst  the  lesser  stars  in  evening  clear. 
All  that  her  saw  with  wonder  ravished  were, 
And  weened  no  mortal  creature  she  should  be, 
But  some  celestial  shape  that  flesh  did  bear  : 
Yet  all  were  glad  there  Florimell  to  see  ; 

Yet  thought  that  Florimell  was  not  so  fair  as  she. 

12  As  guileful  goldsmith  that  by  secret  skill 
With  golden  foil  doth  finely  over-spread 
Some  baser  metal,  which  commend  he  will 
Unto  the  vulgar  for  good  gold  instead, 

He  much  more  goodly  gloss  thereon  doth  shed 
To  hide  his  falsehood,  then  if  it  were  true  : 
So  hard  this  idol 5  was  to  be  aread,6 

1  Bear  the  bell  away,  i.e.  take  ful  owner  of  the  girdle,  she  was 
the  prize.  called  the  false  Florimell. 

2  The  true  and  very  Florimell.  8  Dismay,  overpower. 
Blandamour's  lady  was  the  crea-            *  Phcebe,  the  same  as  Diana,  the 
tion  of  a  witch.     Being  the  exact  moon  goddess. 

counterpart  of  Florimell,  the  right-  6  Idol,  image. 

6  Aread,  detected. 


168  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  Florimell  herself  in  all  men's  view 

She  seemed  to  pass:  so  forged  things  do  fairest  shew. 

1 3  Then  was  that  golden  belt  by  doom l  of  all 
Granted  to  her,  as  to  the  fairest  dame  : 
Which  being  brought,  about  her  middle  2  small 
They  thought  to  gird,  as  best  it  her  became  ; 
But  by  no  means  they  could  it  thereto  frame  : 
For,  ever  as  they  fast'ned  it,  it  loosed 

And  fell  away,  as  feeling  secret  blame.3 

Full  oft  about  her  waist  she  it  enclosed  ; 

And  it  as  oft  was  from  about  her  waist  disclosed4 : 

14  That  all  men  wond'red  at  the  uncouth5  sight, 
And  each  one  thought  as  to  their  fancies  came  : 
But  she  herself  did  think  it  done  for  spite, 
And  touched  was  with  secret  wrath  and  shame 
Therewith,  as  thing  devised  her  to  defame. 
Then  many  other  ladies  likewise  tried 

About  their  tender  loins  to  knit  the  same  ; 
But  it  would  not  on  none  of  them  abide, 
But  when  they  thought  it  fast,  eftsoones6  it  was 
untied. 

15  •  .... 
Till  that  at  last  the  gentle  Amoret 
Likewise  assayed  to  prove  that  girdle's  pow'r  ; 

1  Doom,  judgment.  worn  only  by  the  purest  and  best 

2  Middle,  waist.  of  women. 

8  And  fell  away,  as  feeling  secret  *  Disclosed,  unfastened. 

blami.     This  magic  girdle  could  be  6  Uncouth,  strange. 

6  Eftsoones,  immediately. 


BRITOMART.  169 

And,  having  it  about  her  middle  set, 
Did  find  it  fit  withouten  breach  or  let l ; 
Whereat  the  rest  gan  greatly  to  envy  2 : 
But  Florimell  exceedingly  did  fret, 
And,  snatching  from  her  hand  half  angrily 
The  belt  again,  about  her  body  gan  it  tie  : 

1 6  Yet  nathemore3  would  it  her  body  fit  ; 
Yet  natheless  4  to  her,  as  her  due  right, 
It  yielded  was  by  them  that  judged  it  ; 
And  she  herself  adjudged  to  the  knight 
That  bore  the  heben  5  spear,  as  won  in  fight. 
But  Britomart  would  not  thereto  assent, 

Ne  her  own  Amoret  forego  so  light 
For  that  strange  dame,  whose  beauty's  wonderment6 
She  less  esteemed  than  th'  other's  virtuous  govern- 
ment.7 

17  Whom  when  the  rest  did  see  her  to  refuse, 

They  were  full  glad,  in  hope  themselves  to  get  her  : 
Yet  at  her  choice  they  all  did  greatly  muse.8 
But,  after  that,  the  judges  did  arret9  her 
Unto  the  second  best  that  loved  her  better  ; 
That  was  the  salvage  knight  :  but  he  was  gone 
In  great  displeasure,  that  he  could  not  get  her. 

1  IVithouten   breach    or   let,  i.e.  6  Heben,  yew. 

without  gap  or  obstacle.  6  Whose   beauty's   wonderment, 

2  Gan  greatly  to  envy,  i.e.  were  i.e.  whose  wonderful  beauty, 
greatly  vexed.  7  Government,  i.e.  mode  of  life, 

3  Nathemore,  not  the  more.  behavior. 

*  Natheless,  nevertheless.  8  Muse,  wonder. 

9  Arret,  adjudge. 


170  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Then  was  she  judged  Triamond  his  one J ; 
But  Triamond  loved  Canacee  and  other  none. 

1 8  Tho2  unto  Satyran  she  was  adjudged, 

Who  was  right  glad  to  gain  so  goodly  meed  : 

But  Blandamour  thereat  full  greatly  grudged,3 

And  little  praised  his  labour's  evil  speed,4 

That,  for  to  win  the  saddle,  lost  the  steed.5 

Ne  less  thereat  did  Paridell  complain, 

And  thought  t'  appeal,  from  that  which  was  decreed, 

To  single  combat  with  Sir  Satyrane  : 

Thereto  him  Ate  stirred,  new  discord  to  maintain. 

19  And  eke,6  with  these,  full  many  other  knights 
She  through  her  wicked  working  did  incense 
Her  to  demand  and  challenge 7  as  their  rights, 
Deserved  for  their  perils'  recompense. 
Amongst  the  rest,  with  boastful  vain  pretence 
Stepped  Braggadochio  forth,  and  as  his  thrall 8 
Her  claimed,  by  him  in  battle  won  long  sens9 : 
Whereto  herself  he  did  to  witness  call  ; 
Who,  being  asked,  accordingly  confessed  all. 

20  Thereat  exceeding  wroth  was  Satyran  ; 
And  wroth  with  Satyran  was  Blandamour  ; 
And  wroth  with  Blandamour  was  Erivan  ; 

1  Judged  Triamond  his  one,  i.e.      false   Florimell  had  come  to  the 
she  was  adjudged  to  Triamond.  tournament  in  company  with 

2  Tho,  then.  Blandamour. 

8  Grudged,  complained.  6  Eke,  also. 

4  Speed,  issue.  7  Challenge,  claim. 

6  That,  -for   to   win,  etc.     The  8  Thrall,  captive. 

9  Sens,  since. 


BRITOMART.  171 

And  at  them  both  Sir  Paridell  did  lower. 
So  altogether  stirred  up  strifull  stoure,1 
And  ready  were  new  battle  to  darrain  2 : 
Each  one  professed  to  be  her  paramour,3 
And  vowed  with  spear  and  shield  it  to  maintain  ; 
Ne  judge's  pow'r,  ne  reason's  rule,  mote4  them 
restrain. 

2 1  Which  troublous  stir  when  Satyrane  avised,5 
He  gan  to  cast 6  how  to  appease  the  same, 
And,  to  accord  them  all,  this  means  devised  : 
First  in  the  midst  to  set  that  fairest  dame, 

To  whom  each  one  his  challenge7  should  disclaim, 
And  he  himself  his  right  would  eke  releasse  : 
Then,  look  to  whom  she  voluntary  came, 
He  should  without  disturbance  her  possess  : 
Sweet  is  the  love  that  comes  alone  with  willingness. 

22  They  all  agreed  ;  and  then  that  snowy  maid 
Was  in  the  middest  placed  among  them  all  : 

All  on  her  gazing  wished,  and  vowed,  and  prayed, 
And  to  the  queen  of  beauty 8  close  9  did  call, 
That  she  unto  their  portion  might  befall. 
Then  when  she  long  had  looked  upon  each  one, 
As  though  she  wished  to  have  pleased  them  all, 
At  last  to  Braggadochio  self  alone, 
She  came  of  her  accord,  in  spite  of  all  his  fone.10 

1  Stoure,  tumult.  6  Avised,  perceived. 

2  Darrain,  wage.  6  Cast,  plan. 

8  Professed  to  be  her  paramour,  7  Challenge,  claim. 

i.e.  asserted  that  he  was  her  right-  8  Queen  of  beauty,  i.e.  Venus, 

ful  lover.  9  Close,  secretly. 

*  Mote,  might.  10  Fone,  foes. 


172  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

23  Which  when  they  all  beheld,  they  chafed,  and  raged, 
And  woxe  l  nigh  mad  for  very  heart's  despite,2 
That  from  revenge  their  wills  they  scarce  assuaged3  : 
Some  thought  from  him  her  to  have  reft 4  by  might  ; 
Some  proffer  made  with  him  for  her  to  fight  : 

But  he  nought  cared  for  all  that  they  could  say  ; 
For  he  their  words  as  wind  esteemed  light  : 
Yet  not  fit  place  he  thought  it  there  to  stay, 
But  secretly  from  thence  that  night  her  bore  away. 

24  They  which  remained,  so  soon  as  they  perceived 
That  she  was  gone,  departed  thence  with  speed, 
And  followed  them,  in  mind  her  to  have  reaved  6 
From  wight  unworthy  of  so  noble  meed. 

In  which  pursuit  how  each  one  did  succeed, 

Shall  else 6  be  told  in  order,  as  it  fell. 

But  now  of  Britomart  it  here  doth  need 

The  hard  adventures  and  strange  haps  to  tell  ; 

Since  with  the  rest  she  went  not  after  Florimell. 

25  For  soon  as  she  them  saw  to  discord  set, 
Her  list 7  no  longer  in  that  place  abide  ; 
But,  taking  with  her  lovely  Amoret, 
Upon  her  first  adventure 8  forth  did  ride, 

To  seek  her  loved,  making  blind  Love  her  guide. 
Unlucky  maid,  to  seek  her  enemy  ! 
Unlucky  maid,  to  seek  him  far  and  wide, 

1  Woxe,  grew,  became.  6  Else,  elsewhere. 

*  Despite,  vexation.  7  Her  list,  she  desired. 

8  Assuaged,  pacified,  appeased.  8  Her  first  adventure,   i.e.  the 

*  Reft,  taken  away.  object    for    which    she    left    her 
5  Reaved,  taken  away.  home. 


BRITOMART.  173 

Whom,  when  he  was  unto  herself  most  nigh, 
She  through  his  late  disguisement  could  him  not 
descry  ! 

26  So  much  the  more  her  grief,  the  more  her  toil  : 
Yet  neither  toil  nor  grief  she  once  did  spare, 
In  seeking  him  that  should  her  pain  assoil l ; 
Whereto  great  comfort  in  her  sad  misfare  2 
Was  Amoret,  companion  of  her  care  : 

Who  likewise  sought  her  lover  long  miswent,3 
The  gentle  Scudamour,4  whose  heart  whileare  5 
That  stryfull  hag,  with  jealous  discontent 
Had  filled,   that   he  to  fell6  revenge  was   fully 
bent  ; 

27  Bent  to  revenge  on  blameless  Britomart 
The  crime  which  cursed  Ate  kindled  erst,7 

The  which  like  thorns  did  prick  his  jealous  heart, 
And  through  his  soul  like  poisoned  arrow  persed,8 
That  by  no  reason  it  might  be  reversed,9 
For  ought  that  Glauce  could  or  do  or  say  : 
For,  aye  the  more  that  she  the  same  rehearsed, 
The  more  it  galled  and  grieved  him  night  and  day, 
That  nought   but  dire  revenge  his  anger  mote 
defray.10 

against  the  supposed  knight,  Brito- 

1  Assoil,  remove.  mart. 

2  Misfare,  misfortune.  5  Whileare,  whilere,  recently. 
8  Miswent,  gone  astray.  6  Fell,  fierce. 

4  TXi?   gentle    Scndamour,   etc.  7  Erst,  first. 

The  poet  makes  a  sudden  transi-  8  Persed,  pierced, 

tion  here,  taking  us  back  to  Scuda-  9  Reversed,  drawn  out. 

mour  whom  we  left  full  of  wrath  10  Mote  defray,  might  appease. 


174  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

28  So  as  they  travelled,  the  drooping  night 
Covered  with  cloudy  storm  and  bitter  shower, 
That  dreadful  seemed  to  every  living  wight, 
Upon  them  fell,  before  her  timely  hour  ; 
That  forced  them  to  seek  some  covert  bower, 
Where  they  might  hide  their  heads  in  quiet  rest, 
And  shroud  their  persons  from  that  stormy  stowre.1 
Not  far  away,  not  meet  for  any  guest, 

They  spied  a  little  cottage,  like  some  poor  man's 
nest. 

29  Under  a  steep  hill's  side  it  placed  was, 

There  where  the  mould'red  earth  had  caved2  the 

bank  ; 

And  fast  beside  a  little  brook  did  pass 
.Of  muddy  water,  that  like  puddle  stank, 
By  which  few  crooked  sallows  3  grew  in  rank  : 
Whereto  approaching  nigh,  they  heard  the  sound 
Of  many  iron  hammers  beating  rank,4 
And  answering  their  weary  turns  around, 
That  seemed  some  blacksmith  dwelt  in  that  desert 

ground. 

30  There  ent'ring  in,  they  found  the  goodman  5  self 
Full  busily  unto  his  work  ybent  ; 

Who  was  to  weet  a  wretched  wearish  6  elf, 
With  hollow  eyes  and  rawbone  cheeks  forspent,7 

1  Stowre,  tumult.  6  Goodman,  i.e.   the   master   of 

2  Caved,  made  hollow.  the  house  ;  often  used  in  speaking 
8  Sallows,  willows.                              familiarly. 

*  Rank,  fiercely.  °  Wearish,  withered. 

7  Forspent,  wasted. 


BRITOMART.  175 

As  if  he  had  in  prison  long  been  pent  : 
Full  black  and  grisly 1  did  his  face  appear, 
Besmeared  with  smoke  that  nigh  his  eyesight  blent 2  ; 
With  rugged  beard,  and  hoary  shagged  hair, 
The  which  he  never  wont  to  comb,  or  comely  sheare. 

3 1  Rude  was  his  garment,  and  to  rags  all  rent, 
Ne  better  had  he,  ne  for  better  cared  : 

With  blist'red  hands  amongst  the  cinders  brent,3 
And  fingers  filthy  with  long  nails  unpared, 
Right  fit  to  rend  the  food  on  which  he  fared. 
His  name  was  Care  ;  a  blacksmith  by  his  trade, 
That  neither  day  nor  night  from  working  spared, 
But  to  small  purpose  iron  wedges  made  : 
Those   be   unquiet    thoughts,  that   careful4  minds 
invade. 

32  In  which  his  work  he  had  six  servants5  prest,6 
About  the  andvile  standing  evermore, 

With  huge  great  hammers,  that  did  never  rest 

From  heaping  strokes  which  thereon  soused 7  sore  : 

All  six  strong  grooms,  but  one  then  other  more  ; 

For  by  degrees  they  all  were  disagreed 8 ; 

So  likewise  did  the  hammers  which  they  bore 

Like  bells  in  greatness  orderly  succeed, 

That  he  which  was  the  last  the  first  did  far  exceed. 

1  Grisly,  horrible.  represent   the  seven  days  of   the 

2  Blent,  blinded.  week. 

8  Brent,  burnt.  6  Prest,  ready. 

4  Careful,  full  of  care.  7  Soused,    pounced    upon,    fell 

5  Six   servants.      Upton   says       upon. 

that    Care   and    his   six    servants  8  Disagreed,  made  to  differ. 


176  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

33  He  like  a  monstrous  giant  seemed  in  sight, 
Far  passing  Bronteus  or  Pyracmon  1  great, 
The  which  in  Lipari 2  do  day  and  night 
Frame  thunderbolts  for  Jove's  avengeful  threat. 
So  dreadfully  he  did  the  andvile  beat, 

That  seemed  to  dust  he  shortly  would  it  drive  : 
So  huge  his  hammer,  and  so  fierce  his  heat, 
That  seemed  a  rock  of  diamond  it  could  rive  3 
And  rend  asunder  quite,  if  he  thereto  list 4  strive. 

34  Sir  Scudamour  there  ent'ring  much  admired  6 
The  manner  of  their  work  and  weary  pain  ; 
And,  having  long  beheld,  at  last  enquired 
The  cause  and  end  thereof  ;  but  all  in  vain  ; 

For  they  for  nought  would  from  their  work  refrain, 
Ne  let  his  speeches  come  unto  their  ear  ; 
And  eke  the  breathful  bellows  blew  amain, 
Like  to  the  northern  wind,  that  none  could  hear  ; 
Those  pensifeness  did  move  ;  and  sighs  the  bellows 
weare.6 

35  Which  when  that  warrior  saw,  he  said  no  more, 
But  in  his  armour  laid  him  down  to  rest  : 

To  rest  he  laid  him  down  upon  the  floor, 

(Whilom  7  for  ventrous 8  knights  the  bedding  best,) 

And  thought  his  weary  limbs  to  have  redressed.9 

1  Bronteus    or    Pyracmon,  Cy-  *  List,  desired  to. 
elopes,  servants  of  Vulcan.  5  Admired,  wondered  at. 

2  Lipari,  one    of    the    /Eolian  6  Weare,  were, 
isles,  north  of  Sicily.  7  Whilom,  formerly. 

8  Rive,  rend.  8  Ventrous,  adventurous. 

9  Redressed,  refreshed. 


BRITOMART.  177 

And  that  old,  aged  dame,  his  faithful  squire, 
Her  feeble  joints  laid  eke  adown  to  rest  ; 
That  needed  much  her  weak  age  to  desire,1 
After  so  long  a  travel  which  them  both  did  tire. 

36  There  lay  Sir  Scudamour  long  while  expecting 
When  gentle  sleep  his  heavy  eyes  would  close  ; 
Oft  changing  sides,  and  oft  new  place  electing, 
Where  better  seemed  he  mote  himself  repose  ; 
And  oft  in  wrath  he  thence  again  uprose  ; 
And  oft  in  wrath  he  laid  him  down  again. 
But,  wheresoever  he  did  himself  dispose, 

He  by  no  means  could  wished  ease  obtain  : 
So  every  place  seemed  painful,  and  each  changing 
vain. 

37  And  evermore,  when  he  to  sleep  did  think, 
The  hammers'  sound  his  senses  did  molest  ; 
And  evermore,  when  he  began  to  wink,2 
The  bellows'  noise  disturbed  his  quiet  rest, 
Ne  surf' red  sleep  to  settle  in  his  breast. 
And  all  the  night  the  dogs  did  bark  and  howl 
About  the  house,  at  scent  of  stranger  guest  : 
And  now  the  crowing  cock,  and  now  the  owl 
Loud  shrieking,  him  afflicted  to  the  very  sowle.3 

38  And,  if  by  fortune  any  little  nap 
Upon  his  heavy  eye-lids  chanced  to  fall, 
Eftsoones  one  of  those  villeins  4  him  did  rap 

1  That    needed   much,  etc.,  i.e.  3  Sowle,  soul. 

that  her  weak  age  must  necessarily  *  Villeins,  men    of    low   birth, 

desire.  menials.  « 

2  Wink,  close  his  eyes. 


178  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Upon  his  head-piece  with  his  iron  mall 1 ; 

That  he  was  soon  awaked  therewithal, 

And  lightly  started  up  as  one  afraid, 

Or  as  if  one  him  suddenly  did  call  : 

So  oftentimes  he  out  of  sleep  abrayed,2 

And  then  lay  musing  long  on  that  him  ill  apayed.3 

39  So  long  he  mused,  and  so  long  he  lay, 
That  at  the  last  his  weary  sprite  4  oppressed 
With  fleshly  weakness,  which  no  creature  may 
Long  time  resist,  gave  place  to  kindly  rest, 
That  all  his  senses  did  full  soon  arrest  : 

Yet,  in  his  soundest  sleep,  his  daily  5  fear 
His  idle  brain  gan  busily  molest, 
And  made  him  dream  those  two  disloyal  were  6  : 
The  things  that  day  most  minds,  at  night  do  most 
appear. 

40  With  that  the  wicked  carle,7  the  maister  smith, 
A  pair  of  red-hot  iron  tongs  did  take 

Out  of  the  burning  cinders,  and  therewith 

Under  his  side  him  nipped  ;  that,  forced  to  wake, 

He  felt  his  heart  for  very  pain  to  quake, 

And  started  up  avenged  for  to  be 

On  him  the  which  his  quiet  slumber  brake  : 


1  Mall,  hammer.  6  Daily,  i.e.  of  the  day. 

2  Abrayed,  awoke.  6  And  made  him  dream,  etc.,  i.e. 
8  On   that  him   ill  apayed,  i.e.  made  him  dream  that  Amoret  had 

on  that  which   disturbed   him  or  accepted  as  her  lover  the  supposed 

made  him  dissatisfied.  knight,  Britomart. 
4  Sprite,  spirit.  7  Carle,  churl. 


BRITOMART.  179 

Yet,  looking  round  about  him,  none  could  see  ; 
Yet  did  the  smart  remain,  though  he  himself l  did 
flee. 

41  In  such  disquiet  and  heart-fretting  pain 

He  all  that  night,  that  too  long  night,  did  pass. 
And  now  the  day  out  of  the  ocean  main  2 
Began  to  peep  above  this  earthly  mass, 
With  pearly  dew  sprinkling  the  morning  grass  : 
Then  up  he  rose  like  heavy  lump  of  lead, 
That  in  his  face,  as  in  a  looking-glass, 
The  signs  of  anguish  one  mote  plainly  read, 
And  guess  the  man  to  be  dismayed3  with  jealous4 
dread. 

42  Unto  his  lofty  steed  he  clomb  5  anone,6 
And  forth  upon  his  former  voyage  fared,7 
And  with  him  eke  that  aged  squire  attone  8 ; 
Who,  whatsoever  peril  was  prepared, 

Both  equal  pains  and  equal  peril  shared  : 
The  end  whereof  and  dangerous  event 
Shall  for  another  canticle  9  be  spared  : 
But  here  my  weary  team,  nigh  over-spent,10 
Shall  breathe  itself  awhile  after  so  long  a  went.11 

1  He  himself,  i.e.  Care  who  had  6  Clomb,  climbed, 
tormented  Scudamour.                                 6  Anone,  anon. 

2  Ocean  main,  that  is,  the  great  7  Fared,  went, 
sea  as  distinguished  from  an  arm  8  Attone,  together, 
or  bay.  9  Canticle,  canto. 

3  Dismayed,  overpowered.  10  Over-spent,  over-exhausted. 

4  Jealous,  suspicious,  apprehen-  u  Went,  journey, 
sive. 


XII. 

Britomart  encounters  Artegall  and  Scudamour.     Artegall  wins  her 
love.     Scudamour  learns  of  the  disappearance  of  Amoret. 

1  WHAT  equal  torment  to  the  grief  of  mind 
And  pining  anguish  hid  in  gentle  heart, 
That  inly  feeds  itself  with  thoughts  unkind, 
And  nourisheth  her  own  consuming  smart  ! 
What  medicine  can  any  leech's  J  art 

Yield  such  a  sore,  that  doth  her  grievance  hide, 
And  will  to  none  her  malady  impart  ! 
Such  was  the  wound  that  Scudamour  did  gride  2  : 
For  which  Dan  Phoebus  self  cannot  a  salve  provide.3 

2  Who  having  left  that  restless  house  of  Care, 
The  next  day,  as  he  on  his  way  did  ride, 
Full  of  melancholy  and  sad  misfare 4 
Through  misconceit,5  all  unawares  espied 
An  armed  knight  under  a  forest  side 
Sitting  in  shade  beside  his  grazing  steed  ; 
Who,  soon  as  them  approaching  he  descried, 
Gan  towards  them  to  prick6  with  eager  speed, 
That  seemed  he  was  full  bent  to  some  mischievous 

deed. 

Apollo   and    his   son    ^sculapius 

1  Leech  V,  physician's.  were  revered  as  the  chief  gods  of 

2  Gride,  pierce.  healing. 

8  For  which  Dan  Phcebus  self,  4  Misfare,  unhappiness. 

etc.    Dan,  a  title  of  respect  placed  5  Misconceit,  misconception, 

before   personal    nouns.      Phcebus  8  Prick,  ride,  using  spurs. 


BRITOMART.  181 

3  Which  Scudamour  perceiving  forth  issued 
To  have  rencount'red  him  in  equal  race 1 ; 
But,  soon  as  th'  other  nigh  approaching  viewed 
The  arms  he  bore,  his  speaj  he  gan  abase 
And  void  his  course  2 ;  at  which  so  sudden  case 
He  wond'red  much  :  but  th'  other  thus  can3  say : 
"  Ah  !  gentle  Scudamour,  unto  your  grace 

I  me  submit,  and  you  of  pardon  pray, 

That  almost  had  against  you  trespassed  this  day." 

4  Whereto  thus  Scudamour  :    "  Small  harm  it  were 
For  any  knight  upon  a  ventrous  4  knight 
Without  displeasance  5  for  to  prove  his  spear. 
But  read  6  you,  sir,  sith  7  ye  my  name  have  hight,8 
What  is  your  own,  that  I  mote  you  requite  ? " 

"  Certes,"  9  said  he,  "ye  mote  as  now  excuse 
Me  from  discovering  you  my  name  aright 10 : 
For  time  yet  serves  that  I  the  same  refuse  n ; 
But    call   ye    me   the  salvage12  knight,  as   others 
use." 

5  "  Then  this,  Sir  Salvage  Knight,"  quoth  he,  "  aread  ; 
Or  do  you  here  within  this  forest  wonne,13 

1  To  have  rencountered  him,  etc.,  7  Sith,  since. 
i.e.  that  he  might  encounter  him  at  8  Hight,  called, 
equal  speed.  9  Certes,  truly. 

2  His  spear  he  gan  abase,  etc.,  i.e.  10  From  discovering  you,  etc.,  i.e. 
he  lowered  his  spear  and  turned  from  telling  you  my  real  name, 
from  his  course.  n  For  time  yet  serves,  etc.,  i.e.  at 

3  Can  say,  gan  say,  did  say.  the  present  time  I  have  a  reason 
*  Ventrous,  adventurous.                   for  refusing  to  make  myself  known. 

5  Displeasance,  displeasure.  12  Salvage,  wild,  woodland. 

6  Read,  declare.  13  Wonne,  dwell. 


182  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  seemeth  well  to  answer  to  your  weed,1 

Or  have  ye  it  for  some  occasion  done  ? 

That  rather  seems,  sith  knowen  arms  ye  shun."2 

"  This  other  day,"  said  he,  "  a  stranger  knight 

Shame  and  dishonour  hath  unto  me  done  ; 

On  whom  I  wait  to  wreak  3  that  foul  despite, 

Whenever  he  this  way  shall  pass  by  day  or  night." 

6  "Shame  be   his  meed,"  quoth  he,  "that  meaneth 

shame  4  ! 

But  what  is  he  by  whom  ye  shamed  were  ?  " 
"A  stranger  knight,"  said  he,  "unknown  by  name, 
But  known  by  fame,  and  by  an  heben5  spear 
With  which  he  all  that  met  him  down  did  bear. 
He,  in  an  open  tourney  lately  held, 
Fro  me  the  honour  of  that  game  did  rear 6 ; 
And  having  me,  all  weary  erst,7  down  felled, 
The  fairest  lady  reft,8  and  ever  since  withheld." ! 

7  When  Scudamour  heard  mention  of  that  spear, 
He  wist 10  right  well  that  it  was  Britomart, 
The  which  from  him  his  fairest  love  did  bear. 
Tho  gan  he  swell  in  every  inner  part 

1  Weed,  dress.  6  Rear,  lift,  take  away  (a  pecu- 

2  That    rather    seems,  etc.,  i.e.  liar  use  of  the  word), 
that  seems  to  be  the  case  since  7  Erst,  before, 
you  shun  the  encounter  with  me  8  Reft,  took  away. 

whose  arms  you  recognize.  9  The  fairest    lady   reft,   etc. 

8  Wreak,  revenge.  Artegall  does  not  know  that  "  the 

4  Shame  be  his  meed,  etc.     Up-  false  Florimell,"  the  acknowledged 

ton  says  that  "  Honi  soit  qui  mal  "  queen  of  beauty,"  left  the  tourna- 

y  pense "  was  the  motto  of  the  ment    with    Braggadochio  —  not 

knights  of  Maidenhead.  with  Britomart. 

6  Heben,  yew.  10  Wist,  knew. 


BRITOMART.  183 

For  fell  despite,1  and  gnaw  his  jealous  heart, 
That  thus  he  sharply  said  :    "  Now  by  my  head, 
Yet  is  not  this  the  first  unknightly  part, 
Which  that  same  knight,  whom  by  his  lance  I  read,2 
Hath  done  to  noble  knights,  that  many  makes  him 
dread  3 : 

8  "  For  lately  he  -my  love  hath  fro  me  reft, 

In  shame  of  knighthood  and  fidelity  ; 

The  which  ere  long  full  dear  he  shall  aby  4 ; 

And  if  to  that  avenge  by  you  decreed 

This  hand  may  help  or  succour  ought  supply, 

It  shall  not  fail  whenso  ye  shall  it  need." 

So  both  to  wreak  their  wraths  on  Britomart  agreed. 

9  Whiles  thus  they  communed,  lo  !  far  away 

A  knight  soft  riding  towards  them  they  spied, 
Attired  in  foreign  arms  and  straunge  array  : 
Whom  when  they  nigh  approached,  they  plain  descried 
To  be  the  same  for  whom  they  did  abide. 
Said  then  Sir  Scudamour,  "  Sir  Salvage  Knight, 
Let  me  this  crave,  sith  first  I  was  defied, 
That  first  I  may  that  wrong  to  him  requite  : 
And,  if  I  hap  to  fail,  you  shall  recure5  my  right." 

10  Which  being  yielded,  he  his  threatful  spear 
Gan  feuter,6  and  against  her  fiercely  ran. 

1  Fell  despite,  fierce  vexation.  *  Aby,  pay  for. 

2  Read,  declare;  here,  recognize.  6  Recure,  recover,  retrieve. 
8  That  many,  etc.,  i.e.  his  actions            6  Feuter,  put  in  rest. 

make  many  knights  dread  him. 


184  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Who  soon  as  she  him  saw  approaching  near 

With  so  fell  rage,  herself  she  lightly  gan 

To  dight,1  to  welcome  him  well  as  she  can  ; 

But  entertained  him  in  so  rude  a  wise, 

That  to  the  ground  she  smote  both  horse  and  man  ; 

Whence  neither  greatly  hasted  to  arise, 

But  on  their  common  harms  together  did  devise. 

1 1  But  Artegall,  beholding  his  mischance, 
New  matter  added  to  his  former  fire  ; 
And,  eft2  avent'ring3  his  steel-headed  lance, 
Against  her  rode,  full  of  despiteous 4  ire, 

That  nought  but  spoil  and  vengeance  did  require5  : 

But  to  himself  his  felonous  intent 

Returning  disappointed  his  desire, 

Whiles  unawares  his  saddle  he  forwent,6 

And  found  himself  on  ground  in  great  amazement. 

1 2  Lightly  he  started  up  out  of  that  stound,7 
And,  snatching  forth  his  direful  deadly  blade, 
Did  leap  to  her,  as  doth  an  eager  hound 
Thrust  to  an  hind  within  some  covert  glade, 
Whom  without  peril  he  cannot  invade  : 
With  such  fell  greediness  he  her  assailed, 

That  though  she  mounted  were,  yet  he  her  made 
To  give  him  ground,  (so  much  his  force  prevailed,) 
And    shun    his   mighty    strokes,  gainst    which    no 
arms  availed. 

1  Gan  to  dight,  i.e.  did  prepare.  *  Despiteous,  cruel. 

2  Eft,  again  (in  his  turn).  6  Require,  seek. 

3  Aventering,  pushing  forward.  6  Forwent,  forsook. 

7  Stound,  situation. 


BRITOMART.  185 

13  So,  as  they  coursed  here  and  there,  it  chanced 
That,  in  her  wheeling  round,  behind  her  crest 
So  sorely  he  her  strooke,  that  thence  it  glanced 
Adown  her  back,  the  which  it  fairly  blessed 1 
From  foul  mischance  ;  ne  did  it  ever  rest, 

Till  on  her  horse's  hinder  parts  it  fell  ; 
Where,  biting  deep,  so  deadly  it  impressed, 
That  quite  it  chined  2  his  back  behind  the  sell,3 
And  to  alight  on  foot  her  algates  4  did  compel  : 

14  Like  as  the  lightning-brond  from  riven  sky, 
Thrown  out  by  angry  Jove  in  his  vengeance, 
With  dreadful  force  falls  on  some  steeple  high  ; 
Which    batt'ring,  down   it   on    the   church   doth 

glance, 

And  tears  it  all  with  terrible  mischance. 
Yet  she  no  whit  dismayed  her  steed  forsook  ; 
And,  casting  from  her  that  enchanted  lance, 
Unto  her  sword  and  shield  her  soon  betook  ; 
And  therewithal  at  him  right  furiously  she  strook. 

1 5  So  furiously  she  strooke  in  her  first  heat, 
Whiles  with  long  fight  on  foot  he  breathless  was, 
That  she  him  forced  backward  to  retreat, 

And  yield  unto  her  weapon  way  to  pass  : 
Whose  raging  rigour  neither  steel  nor  brass 
Could  stay,  but  to  the  tender  flesh  it  went, 
And  poured  the  purple  blood  forth  on  the  grass  ; 


1  Blessed,  preserved.  8  Sell,  saddle. 

2  Chined,  split.  *  Algates,  at  all  events. 


186  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  all  his  mail  yrived,1  and  plates  yrent,2 
Showed  all  his  body  bare  unto  the  cruel  dent.3 

1 6  At  length,  whenas  he  saw  her  hasty  heat 
Abate,  and  panting  breath  begin  to  fail, 

He  through  long  sufferance4  growing  now  more 

great, 

Rose  in  his  strength,  and  gan  her  fresh  assail, 
Heaping  huge  strokes  as  thick  as  show'r  of  hail, 
And  lashing  dreadfully  at  every  part, 
As  if  he  thought  her  soul  to  disentrail.5 
Ah  !  cruel  hand,  and  thrice  more  cruel  heart, 
That  workst    such  wreck  on    her   to  whom  thou 

dearest  art  ! 

1 7  What  iron  courage  6  ever  could  endure 

To  work  such  outrage  on  so  fair  a  creature  ! 
And  in  his  madness  think  with  hands  impure 
To  spoil  so  goodly  workmanship  of  nature, 
The  Maker  self  resembling  in  her  feature 7 ! 
Certes 8  some  hellish  fury  or  some  fiend 
This  mischief  framed,  for  their  first  love's  defeature,9 
To  bathe  their  hands  in  blood  of  dearest  friend, 
Thereby  to  make  their  love's  beginning  their  lives' 
end. 

1 8  Thus  long  they  traced  10  and  traversed  to  and  fro, 
Sometimes  pursuing,  and  sometimes  pursued, 

1  Yrived,  torn  apart.  6  Courage,  heart. 

2  Yrent,  rent.  7  Feature,  general  appearance. 
8  Dent,   dint,  blow.  8  Certes,  surely. 

4  Sufferance,  endurance.  9  Defeature,  defeat. 

6  Disentrail,  i.e.  dislodge.  10  Traced,  went. 


BRITOMART.  187 

Still  as  advantage  they  espied  thereto  : 

But  toward  th'  end  Sir  Arthegall  renewed 

His    strength    still    more,  but  she   still  more   de- 

crewed.1 

At  last  his  luckless  hand  he  heaved  on  high, 
Having  his  forces  all  in  one  accrued,2 
And  therewith  stroke  at  her  so  hideously, 
That  seemed  nought  but  death  mote  be  her  destiny. 

19  The  wicked  stroke  upon  her  helmet  chanced, 
And  with  the  force,  which  in  itself  it  bore, 

Her  ventail3  shard4  away,  and  thence  forth  glanced 
Adown  in  vain,  ne  harmed  her  any  more. 
With  that,  her  angel's  face,  unseen  afore, 
Like  to  the  ruddy  morn  appeared  in  sight, 
Dewed  with  silver  drops  through  sweating  sore  ; 
But  somewhat  redder  then  beseemed  aright, 
Through  toilsome  heat  and  labour  of  her  weary 
fight: 

20  And  round  about  the  same  her  yellow  hair, 
Having  through  stirring  loosed  their  wonted  band, 
Like  to  a  golden  border  did  appear, 

Framed  in  goldsmith's  forge  with  cunning  hand  : 
Yet  goldsmith's  cunning  could  not  understand 
To  frame  such  subtile  5  wire,  so  shiny  clear  ; 
For  it  did  glister  like  the  golden  sand, 


1  Decrewed,  decreased.  armor   that   protected    the   lower 

2  Accrued,  collected.  part  of  the  face. 

3  Ventail,  beaver,  the  piece  of  *  Shard,  cut. 

6  Subtile,  fine,  delicate. 


188  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

The  which  Pactolus  1  with  his  waters  sheer  2 
Throws  forth  upon  the  rivage3  round  about  him 
near. 

21  And  as  his  hand  he  up  again  did  rear, 
Thinking  to  work  on  her  his  utmost  wrack,4 
His  pow'rless  arm  benumbed  with  secret  fear 
From  his  revengeful  purpose  shronke  aback, 
And  cruel  sword  out  of  his  fingers  slack 

Fell  down  to  ground,  as  if  the  steel  had  sense 
And  felt  some  ruth,5  or  sense  his  hand  did  lack, 
Or  both  of  them  did  think  obedience 
To  do  to  so  divine  a  beauty's  excellence. 

22  And  he  himself,  long  gazing  thereupon, 
At  last  fell  humbly  down  upon  his  knee, 
And  of  his  wonder  made  religion,6 
Weening 7  some  heavenly  goddess  he  did  see, 
Or  else  unweeting 8  what  it  else  might  be  ; 
And  pardon  her  besought  his  error  frail, 
That  had  done  outrage  in  so  high  degree  : 
Whilst  trembling  horror  did  his  sense  assail, 

And  made  each  member  quake,  and  manly  heart  to 
quail. 


.     1  Pactolus,  a  river  in   Smyrna,  8  Ruth,  pity 

Asia  Minor,  said  to  have  golden  6  Religion,  pronounced  as  four 

sands.  syllables.     And  of  his  wonder,  etc., 

2  Sheer,  clear,  pure.  i.e.  he   first   wondered,  and    then 

3  Rivage,  bank.  adored. 

4  Wrack,  ruin.  7  Weening,  thinking. 

8  Unweeting,  not  knowing. 


BRITOMART.  189 

23  Natheless 1  she,  full  of  wrath  for  that  late  stroke, 
All  that  long  while  upheld  her  wrathful  hand, 
With  fell 2  intent  on  him  to  bene  y wroke  3 ; 
And,  looking  stern,  still  over  him  did  stand, 
Threat'ning  to  strike  unless  he  would  withstand  4 ; 
And  bade  him  rise,  or  surely  he  should  die. 

But,  die  or  live,  for  nought  he  would  upstand  ; 
But  her  of  pardon  prayed  more  earnestly, 
Or  wreak  on  him  her  will  for  so  great  injury. 

24  Which  whenas  Scudamour,  who  now  abrayed,5 
Beheld,  whereas  he  stood  not  far  aside, 

He  was  therewith  right  wondrously  dismayed  ; 
And  drawing  nigh,  whenas  he  plain  descried 
That  peerless  pattern  of  Dame  Nature's  pride 
And  heavenly  image  of  perfection,6 
He  blest  himself  as  one  sore  terrified  ; 
And,  turning  fear  to  faint  devotion, 
Did  worship  her  as  some  celestial  vision. 

25  But  Glauce,  seeing  all  that  chanced  there, 
Well  weeting  how  their  error  to  assoil,7 
Full  glad  of  so  good  end,  to  them  drew  near, 
And  her  salued  8  with  seemly  bel-accoyle,9 
Joyous  to  see  her  safe  after  long  toil  : 
Then  her  besought,  as  she  to  her  was  dear, 

1  Natheless,  nevertheless.  nounced    as    two    syllables  ;    the 

2  Fell,  cruel.  same  is  true  of  devotion  and  vision. 

3  Ywroke,  avenged.  7  Assoil,  dispel. 

*  Withstand,  resist.  8  Salued,  saluted. 

5  Abrayed,  awoke.  9  Bel-accoyle  (bel-accneil),  greet- 

6  Perfection  ;  last  syllable  pro-       ing. 


190  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

To  grant  unto  those  warriors  truce  awhile  ; 
Which  yielded,  they  their  beavers  up  did  rear, 
And  showed  themselves  to  her  such  as  indeed  they 
were. 

26  When  Britomart  with  sharp  aviseful 1  eye 
Beheld  the  lovely  face  of  Artegall 
Temp'red  with  sternness  and  stout2  majesty, 
She  gan  eftsoones  3  it  to  her  mind  to  call 4 
To  be  the  same  which,  in  her  father's  hall 
Long  since  in  that  enchanted  glass  she  saw  : 
Therewith  her  wrathful  courage  gan  appall,5 
And  haughty  spirits  meekly  to  adaw,6 

That    her  enhaunced7  hand    she  down    can8  soft 
withdraw. 

27  Yet  she  it  forced  to  have  again  upheld, 

As  feigning  choler  which  was  turned  to  cold  : 
But  ever,  when  his  visage  she  beheld, 
Her  hand  fell  down,  and  would  no  longer  hold 
The  wrathful  weapon  gainst  his  count' nance  bold  : 
But,  when  in  vain  to  fight  she  oft  assayed, 
She  armed  her  tongue,  and  thought  at  him  to  scold  : 
Natheless  her  tongue  not  to  her  will  obeyed, 
But  brought  forth  speeches  mild  when  she  would 
have  missaid.9 

28  But  Scudamour,  now  woxen 10  inly  glad 
That  all  his  jealous  fear  he  false  had  found, 

1  Aviseful,  observant.  6  Adaw,  abate. 

2  Stout,  brave,  dauntless.  7  Enhaunced,  raised. 
8  Eftsoones,  immediately.                        8  Can,  gan,  i.e.  did. 

4  Call,  recall.  9  Missaid,  abused,  berated. 

6  Gan  afpall,  began  to  weaken.  10  Woxen,  grown. 


BRITOMART.  191 

And  how  that  hag l  his  love  abused  had 
With  breach  of  faith  and  loyalty  unsound, 
The  which  long  time  his  grieved  heart  did  wound, 
He  thus  bespake  :   "Certes,  Sir  Artegall, 
I  joy  to  see  you  lout2  so  low  on  ground, 
And  now  become  to  live  a  lady's  thrall, 
That  whilom  3  in  your  mind  wont  to  despise  them 
all." 

29  Soon  as  she  heard  the  name  of  Artegall, 

Her  heart  did  leap,  and  all  her  heart-strings  tremble, 
For  sudden  joy  and  secret  fear  withal  ; 
And  all  her  vital  pow'rs,  with  motion  nimble 
To  succour  it,  themselves  gan  there  assemble  ; 
That  by  the  swift  recourse4  of  flushing  blood 
Right  plain  appeared,  though  she  it  would  dissemble, 
And  feigned  still  her  former  angry  mood, 
Thinking  to  hide  the  depth  by  troubling  of  the  flood. 

30  When  Glauce  thus  gan  wisely  all  upknit  : 

"  Ye  gentle  knights,  whom  fortune  here  hath  brought 
To  be  spectators  of  this  uncouth  fit,6 
Which  secret  fate  hath  in  this  lady  wrought 
Against  the  course  of  kind,6  ne  marvel  nought  ; 
Ne  thenceforth  fear  the  thing  that  hitherto 
Hath  troubled  both  your  minds  with  idle  thought, 
Fearing  lest  she  your  loves  away  should  woo  ; 


1  That  hag,  i.e.  Ate,  the  goddess  *  Recourse,  frequent  passage, 
of  discord.  6  Uncouth  fit,  strange  fact  or 

2  Lout,  bow.  effect. 

8  Whilom,  formerly.      .  6  Kind,  nature. 


192  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

3 1  "  And  you,  Sir  Artegall,  the  salvage  knight,1 
Henceforth  may  not  disdain  that  woman's  hand 
Hath  conquered  you  anew  in  second  fight  : 
For  whilom  they  have  conquered  sea  and  land, 
And   heaven  itself,   that  nought   may  them   with- 
stand : 

Ne  henceforth  be  rebellious  unto  love, 

That  is  the  crown  of  knighthood  and  the  band 

Of  noble  minds  derived  from  above, 

Which,  being  knit  with  virtue,  never  will  remove. 

32  "And  you,  fair  lady  knight,  my  dearest  dame, 
Relent  the  rigour  of  your  wrathful  will, 
Whose  fire  were  better  turned  to  other  flame  ; 
And,  wiping  out  remembrance  of  all  ill, 
Grant  him  your  grace  ;  but  so  that  he  fulfil 
The  penance  which  ye  shall  to  him  empart  2  ; 
For  lover's  heaven  must  pass  by  sorrow's  hell." 
Thereat  full  inly  blushed  Britomart  ; 

But  Artegall,  close-smiling,3  joyed  in  secret  heart. 

33  Yet  durst  he  not  make  love  so  suddenly, 
Ne  think  th'  affection  of  her  heart  to  draw 
From  one  to  other  so  quite  contrary  : 
Besides  her  modest  countenance  he  saw 
So  goodly  grave,  and  full  of  princely  awe, 
That  it  his  ranging  fancy  did  refrain, 

And  looser  thoughts  to  lawful  bounds  withdraw  : 


1  Salvage   knight,   wild   knight,  2  Empart,  make  known, 

knight  of  the  woods.  8  Close-smiling,  secretly  smiling. 


BRITOMART.  193 

34  But  Scudamour,  whose  heart  twixt  doubtful  fear 
And  feeble  hope  hung  all  this  while  suspense,1 
Desiring  of  his  Amoret  to  hear 

Some  gladful  news  and  sure  intelligence, 
Her  thus  bespake  :   "  But,  sir,  without  offence, 
Mote  I  request  you  tidings  of  my  love, 
My  Amoret,  sith  you  her  freed  fro  thence 
Where  she,  captived  long,  great  woes  did  prove  2  ; 
That  where  ye  left  I  may  her  seek,  as  doth  behove." 

35  To  whom  thus  Britomart  :    "Certes,3  sir  knight, 
What  is  of  her  become,  or  whither  reft,* 

I  cannot  unto  you  aread  5  aright. 

For  from  that  time  I  from  enchanter's  theft 

Her  freed,  in  which  ye  her  all  hopeless  left, 

I  her  preserved  from  peril  and  from  fear, 

And  evermore  from  villainy  her  kept  : 

Ne  ever  was  there  wight  to  me  more  dear 

Then  she,  ne  unto  whom  I  more  true  love  did  bear  : 

36  "  Till  on  a  day,  as  through  a  desert  wild 
We  travelled,  both  weary  of  the  way, 
We  did  alight,  and  sate  in  shadow  mild  ; 
Where  fearless  I  to  sleep  me  down  did  lay  : 
But,  whenas  I  did  out  of  sleep  abray,6 

I  found  her  not  where  I  her  left  whilere,7 

But  thought  she  wand'red  was,  or  gone  astray  : 

I  called  her  loud,  I  sought  her  far  and  near  ; 

But  nowhere  could  her  find,  nor  tidings  of  her  hear." 

1  Suspense,  suspended.  *  Reft,  taken  away  by  violence. 

2  Prove,  experience.  5  Aread,  declare. 

3  Certes,  truly.  6  Abray,  awake. 

7  Whilere,  a  little  while  before. 


194  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

37  When  Scudamour  those  heavy  tidings  heard, 
His  heart  was  thrilled l  with  point  of  deadly  fear, 
Ne  in  his  face  or  blood  or  life  appeared  ; 

But  senseless  stood,  like  to  a  mazed  2  steer 
That  yet  of  mortal  stroke  the  stound  3  doth  bear  : 
Till  Glauce  thus  :    "  Fair  sir,  be  nought  dismayed 
With  needless  dread,  till  certainty  ye  hear ; 
For  yet  she  may  be  safe  though  somewhat  strayed  : 
It's  best  to  hope  the  best,  though  of  the  worst 
afraid." 

38  Nathless  he  hardly  of  her  cheerful  speech 
Did  comfort  take,  or  in  his  troubled  sight 
Showed  change  of  better  cheer,  so  sore  a  breach 
That  sudden  news  had  made  into  his  sprite,4 
Till  Britomart  him  fairly  thus  behight 6  : 

"  Great  cause  of  sorrow  certes,6  sir,  ye  have  ; 
But  comfort  take  ;  for,  by  this  heaven's  light, 
I  vow  you  dead  or  living  not  to  leave, 
Till  I  her  find,  and  wreak  on7  him  that  her  did 
reave."  8 

39  Therewith  he  rested,  and  well  pleased  was, 
So,  peace  being  confirmed  amongst  them  all, 
They  took  their  steeds,  and  forward  thence  did  pass 
Unto  some  resting,  place,  which  mote  befall,9 

1  Thrilled,  pierced.  6  Behight,  promised. 

2  Mazed,  dazed.  6  Certes,  certainly. 

8  Stound,  sudden  pain  or  alarm.  7  Wreak  on,  take  vengeance  on. 

4  So  sore  a  breach,  etc.,  i.e.  such  8  Reave,  carry  off. 

a  dreadful  effect  had  been  made  9  Which    mote    befall,  i.e.   that 

upon  his  mind  by  the  sudden  news.  they  might  happen  upon. 


BRITOMART.  195 

All  being  guided  by  Sir  Artegall  : 
Where  goodly  solace  was  unto  them  made, 
And  daily  feasting  both  in  bow'r  and  hall, 
Until  that  they  their  wounds  well  healed  had, 
And  weary  limbs  recured l  after  late  usage  bad. 

40  In  all  which  time  Sir  Artegall  made  way 
Unto  the  love  of  noble  Britomart. 

And  with  meek  service  and  much  suit  did  lay 
Continual  siege  unto  her  gentle  heart  ; 
Which,  being  whilom  launcht 2  with  lovely  dart,3 
More  eath  4  was  new  impression  to  receive  ; 
However  she  her  pained  5  with  womanish  art 
To  hide  her  wound,  that  none  might  it  perceive  : 
Vain  is  the  art  that  seeks  itself  for  to  deceive. 

41  So  well  he  wooed  her,  and  so  well  he  wrought  her,6 
With  fair  entreaty  and  sweet  blandishment, 

That  at  the  length  unto  a  bay 7  he  brought  her, 
So  as  she  to  his  speeches  was  content 
To  lend  an  ear,  and  softly  to  relent. 
At  last,  through  many  vows  which  forth  he  poured 
And  many  oaths,  she  yielded  her  consent 
To  be  his  love,  and  take  him  for  her  lord, 
Till    they  with  marriage  meet  might    finish    that 
accord.8 

1  Recured,  restored.  6  Wrought  her,  i.e.  worked  upon 

2  Launcht,  pierced.  her  feelings. 

3  Lovely  dart,  i.e.  dart  of  love.  7  Unto  a  bay,  i.e.  to  bay,  to  a 

4  Eath,  easy.  position  from  which  she  could  not 

5  She  her  pained,  i.e.  she  made  escape. 

an  effort.  8  Accord,  agreement. 


196  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

42  Tho,  when  they  had  long  time  there  taken  rest, 
Sir  Artegall,  who  all  this  while  was  bound 
Upon  an  hard  adventure  yet  in  quest,1 

Fit  time  for  him  thence  to  depart  it  found, 
To  follow  that  which  he  did  long  propound  2 ; 
And  unto  her  his  cong6  3  came  to  take  : 
But  her  therewith  full  sore  displeased  he  found, 
And  loath  to  leave  her  late  betrothed  make  4  ; 
Her  dearest  love  full  loath  so  shortly  to  forsake. 

43  Yet  he  with  strong  persuasions  her  assuaged,6 
And  won  her  will  to  suffer  him  depart  ; 

For  which  his  faith  with  her  he  fast  engaged, 

And  thousand  vows  from  bottom  of  his  heart, 

That,  all  so  soon  as  he  by  wit  or  art 

Could  that  achieve  whereto  he  did  aspire, 

He  unto  her  would  speedily  revert 6 : 

No  longer  space  thereto  he  did  desire, 

But  till  the  horned  moon  three  courses  did  expire.7 

44  With  which  she  for  the  present  was  appeased, 
And  yielded  leave,  however  malcontent 

She  inly  were  and  in  her  mind  displeased. 
So,  early  on  the  morrow  next,  he  went 
Forth  on  his  way  to  which  he  was  ybent  ; 
Ne  wight  him  to  attend,  or  way  to  guide, 
As  whilom  was  the  custom  ancient 


1  Yet  in  guest,  i.e.  upon  which  *  Make,  mate. 

he  was  still  bent.  6  Assuaged,  appeased. 

2  Propound,  purpose.  6  Revert,  return. 

3  Conge,  farewell.  7  Expire,  wear  out. 


BRITOMART.  197 

Mongst  knights  when  on  adventures  they  did  ride, 
Save  that  she  algates l  him  awhile  accompanied. 

45  And  by  the  way  she  sundjy  purpose  2  found 
Of  this  or  that,  the  time  for  to  delay, 

And  of  the  perils  whereto  he  was  bound, 
The  fear  whereof  seemed  much  her  to  affray : 
But  all  she  did  was  but  to  wear  out  day.3 
Full  oftentimes  she  leave  of  him  did  take  ; 
And  eft 4  again  devised  somewhat  to  say, 
Which  she  forgot,  whereby  excuse  to  make  : 
So  loath  she  was  his  company  for  to  forsake. 

46  At  last,  when  all  her  speeches  she  had  spent, 
And  new  occasion  failed  her  more  to  find, 
She  left  him  to  his  fortune's  government, 
And  back  returned  with  right  heavy  mind 
To  Scudamour,  who  she  had  left  behind  ; 
With  whom  she  went  to  seek  fair  Amoret, 
Her  second  care,  though  in  another  kind  : 
For  virtue's  only  sake,  which  doth  beget 

True  love  and  faithful  friendship,  she  by  her  did  set.6 

47  Back  to  that  desert  forest  they  retired, 
Where  sorry  Britomart  had  lost  her  late  : 
There  they  her  sought,  and  everywhere  inquired 
Where  they  might  tidings  get  of  her  estate  ; 
Yet  found  they  none.     But,  by  what  hapless  fate 

1  Algates,  to  be  sure.  *  Eft,  soon. 

2  Purpose,  matter  of  discourse.  6  By  her   did   set,  i.e.   valued 
8  Day,  time.                                       her. 


198  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Or  hard  misfortune  she  was  thence  conveyed, 
And  stol'n  away  from  her  beloved  mate, 
Were  long  to  tell  ;  therefore  I  here  will  stay 
Until  another  tide,1  that  I  it  finish  may. 

1  Tide,  time. 


XIII. 

Prince  Arthur,  having  rescued  Amoret,  leaves  her  and  goes  to  the 
assistance  of  Britomart  and  Scudamour. 

The  poet  tells  how  Amoret  was  stolen  by  a  monstrous  creature,  — 

a  wild  and  salvage  man,  — 
Yet  was  no  man,  but  only  like  in  shape,  — 

and  how  she  was  carried  by  him  to  his  cave.  After  much  suffering  she 
managed  to  make  her  escape,  and  later  fell  in  with  Prince  Arthur,  the 
perfect  knight.  He  cared  for  her  most  tenderly.  As  they  were  jour- 
neying together  in  the  hope  of  meeting  Scudamour,  Amoret's  husband, 
they  saw  in  the  distance  a  group  of  knights,  among  them,  —  Druon, 
Claribell,  Blandamour,  and  Paridell. 

1  BUT  those  two  other,  which  beside  them  stood, 
Were  Britomart  and  gentle  Scudamour ; 

Who  all  the  while  beheld  their  wrathful  mood, 
And  wond'red  at  their  implacable  stoure,1 
Whose  like  they  never  saw  till  that  same  hour : 
So  dreadful  strokes  each  did  at  other  drive, 
And  laid  on  load  with  all  their  might  and  pow'r, 
As  if  that  every  dint 2  the  ghost 3  would  rive  4 
Out    of    their   wretched    corses,6   and    their    lives 
deprive  6 : 

2  As  when  Dan  yEolus,7  in  great  displeasure 
For  loss  of  his  dear  love  by  Neptune  hent,8 

1  Stoure,  assault.  5  Corses,  bodies. 

2  Dint,  blow.  G  Deprive,  destroy. 

8  Ghost,  spirit.  T  JEolus,  the  ruler  of  the  winds. 

*  Rive,  rend,  tear.  8  Hent,  seized,  taken  away. 


200  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Sends  forth  the  winds  out  of  his  hidden  treasure 
Upon  the  sea  to  wreak  his  full  intent ; 
They,  breaking  forth  with  rude  unruliment J 
From  all  four  parts  of  heaven,  do  rage  full  sore, 
And  toss  the  deeps,  and  tear  the  firmament, 
And  all  the  world  confound  with  wide  uproar ; 
As  if  instead  thereof  they  chaos  would  restore. 

3  Cause  of  their  discord  and  so  fell  debate  2 
Was  for  the  love  of  that  same  snowy  maid,3 
Whom  they  had  lost  in  tournament  of  late ; 

And,  seeking  long  to  weet 4  which  way  she  strayed, 

Met  here  together ;  where,  through  lewd  upbraid  6 

Of  Ate  and  Duessa,  they  fell  out ; 

And  each  one  taking  part  in  other's  aid, 

This  cruel  conflict  raised  thereabout, 

Whose  dangerous  success  depended  yet  in  doubt 6 : 

4  For  sometimes  Paridell  and  Blandamour 
The  better  had,  and  bet  the  others  back ; 
Ef tsoones 7  the  others  did  the  field  recoure,8 
And  on  their  foes  did  work  full  cruel  wrack  9 : 
Yet  neither  would  their  fiend-like  fury  slack, 
But  evermore  their  malice  did  augment ; 

1  Unruliment,  unruliness.  5  Lewd    upbraid,  wicked    con- 

2  Fell  debate,  fierce  contest.  tumely. 

8  That  same  snowy  maid,  i.e.  the  6  Whose  dangerous  success,  etc., 
false  Florimell,  the  lady  that  re-  i.e.  the  issue  of  this  dangerous  con- 
ceived the  magic  girdle.     It  will  flict  was  still  doubtful, 
be  remembered  that  she  left  the  7  Eftsoones,  immediately, 
tournament  with  Braggadochio.  e  Recoure,  recover. 

4  Weet,  know.  9  Wrack,  ruin. 


BRITOMART.  201 

Till  that  unneath  l  they  forced  were,  for  lack 

Of  breath,  their  raging  rigour  to  relent, 

And  rest  themselves  for  to  recover  spirits  spent. 

5  There  gan  they  change  their  sides,  and  new  parts 

take; 

For  Paridell  did  take  to  Druon's  side, 
For  old  despite  which  now  forth  newly  brake 
Gainst  Blandamour,  whom  always  he  envied  2 ; 
And  Blandamour  to  Claribell  relide  3  : 
So  all  afresh  gan  former  fight  renew. 
As  when  two  barks,  this  carried  with  the  tide, 
That  with  the  wind,  contrary  courses  sew,4 
If  wind  and  tide  do  change,  their  courses  change 

anew. 

6  Thenceforth  they  much  more  furiously  gan  fare,5 
As  if  but  then  the  battle  had  begun  ; 

Ne  helmets  bright  ne  hauberks  strong  did  spare, 

That  through  the  clifts  6  the  vermeil 7  blood  out-spun, 

And  all  adown  their  riven 8  sides  did  run. 

Such  mortal9  malice  wonder  was  to  see 

In  friends  professed,  and  so  great  outrage  done  : 

But  sooth  is  said,10  and  tried  in  each  degree,11 

Faint  friends  when  they  fall  out  most  cruel  foemen  be. 

1  Unneath,  with  difficulty.  7  Vermeil,  vermillion. 

2  Envied,  i.e.  had    a    grudge  8  Riven,  torn,  wounded, 
against.  9  Mortal,  deadly. 

8  Relide,  joined  himself.  10  Sooth   is  said,  i.e.  it    is    truly 

4  Sew,  pursue.  said. 

5  Gan  fare,  did  proceed.  ll  Tried  in  each  degree,  experi- 

6  Clifts,  openings.  enced  in  every  station  in  life. 


202  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

7  Thus  they  long  while  continued  in  fight ; 
Till  Scudamour  and  that  same  Briton  maid 
By  fortune  in  that  place  did  chance  to  light : 
Whom  soon  as  they  with  wrathful  eye  bewrayed,1 
They  gan  remember  of  the  foul  upbraid,2 

The  which  that  Britoness  had  to  them  done 
In  that  late  tourney  for  the  snowy  maid ; 
Where  she  had  them 'both  shamefully  fordonne,3 
And  eke  4  the  famous  prize  of  beauty  from  them  won. 

8  Eftsoones  all  burning  with  a  fresh  desire 
Of  fell 5  revenge,  in  their  malicious  mood 
They  from  themselves  gan  turn  their  furious  ire, 
And  cruel  blades  yet  steaming  with  hot  blood 
Against  those  two  let  drive,  as 6  they  were  wood 7 : 
Who  wond'ring  much  at  that  so  sudden  fit,8 

Yet  nought  dismayed,  them  stoutly  well  withstood  ; 

Ne  yielded  foot,  ne  once  aback  did  flit, 

But,  being  doubly  smitten,  likewise  doubly  smit. 

9  The  warlike  dame  was  on  her  part  assayed 
Of  Claribell  and  Blandamour  attone  9 ; 
And  Paridell  and  Druon  fiercely  laid 

At  Scudamour,  both  his  professed  fone 10 : 
Four  charged  two,  and  two  surcharged  n  one ; 

1  Bewrayed,  discovered.  7  Wood,  mad. 

2  Upbraid,  injury.  8  Fit,  attack. 

8  Fordonne,  undone,  means  9  Attone,  at  once, 

here,  utterly  defeated.  10  Fone,  foes. 

4  Eke,  also.  n  Surcharged,    attacked    with 

6  Fell,  fierce.  superior  force. 

0  As,  as  though. 


BRITOMART.  203 

Yet  did  those  two  themselves  so  bravely  beare, 
That  the  other  little  gained  by  the  loan, 
But  with  their  own  repayed  duly  weare, 
And  usury  withal  :  such  gain  was  gotten  deare. 

10  Full  oftentimes  did  Britomart  assay 

To  speak  to  them,  and  some  emparlance  l  move ; 
But  they  for  nought  their  cruel  hands  would  stay, 
Ne  lend  an  ear  to  ought  that  might  behove 2 : 
As  when  an  eager  mastiff  once  doth  prove3 
The  taste  of  blood  of  some  engored  beast, 
No  words  may  rate,4  nor  rigour  him  remove 
From  greedy  hold  of  that  his  bloody  feast,— 
So  little  did  they  hearken  to  her  sweet  beheast.6 

1 1  Whom  when  the  Briton  prince  6  afar  beheld 
With  odds  of  so  unequal  match  oppressed, 
His  mighty  heart  with  indignation  swelled, 
And  inward  grudge  filled  his  heroic  breast : 
Eftsoones  himself  he  to  their  aid  addressed, 
And,  thrusting  fierce  into  the  thickest  preace,7 
Divided  them,  however  loath  to  rest ; 

And  would  them  fain  from  battle  to  surceasse,8 
With  gentle  words  persuading  them  to  friendly  peace : 

1 2  But  they  so  far  from  peace  or  patience  were, 
That  all  at  once  at  him  gan  fiercely  fly, 

1  Emparlance,  parley.  *  Rate,  check  by  chiding. 

2  That  might  behove,  that  was  5  Beheast,  behest. 

fitting.  6  Briton  prince,  Prince  Arthur. 

8  Prove,  experience.  7  Preace,  press. 

8  Surceasse,  desist. 


204  THE  FAERY  QUEENS. 

And  lay  on  load,  as  they  him  down  would  bear : 

Like  to  a  storm  which  hovers  under  sky, 

Long  here  and  there  and  round  about  doth  sty,1 

At  length  breaks  down  in  rain,  and  hail,  and  sleet, 

First  from  one  coast,2  till  nought  thereof  be  dry ; 

And  then  another,  till  that  likewise  fleet 3 ; 

And  so  from  side  to  side  till  all  the  world  it  weet.4 

13  But  now  their  forces  greatly  were  decayed,5 
The  prince  yet  being  fresh  untouched  afore ; 
Who  them  with  speeches  mild  gan  first  dissuade 
From  such  foul  outrage,  and  them  long  forbore  6 : 
Till,   seeing   them    through    suff ranee7  heartned8 

more, 

Himself  he  bent  their  furies  to  abate, 
And  laid  at 9  them  so  sharply  and  so  sore, 
That  shortly  them  compelled  to  retrate, 
And  being  brought  in  danger  to  relent  too  late. 

14  But  now  his  courage  being  throughly10  fired, 

He  meant  to  make  them  know  their  folly's  prise,11 

Had  not  those  two 12  him  instantly 13  desired 

T'  assuage  his  wrath,  and  pardon  their  mesprise 14 : 

At  whose  request  he  gan  himself  advise 

To  stay  his  hand,  and  of  a  truce  to  treat 

1  Sty,  rise.  8  Heartened,  encouraged. 

2  Coast,  side.  9  Laid  at,  struck  at. 

8  Fleet,  float.  10  Throughly,  thoroughly. 

4  Weet,  wet.  n  Prise,  price. 

8  Decayed,  weakened.  12  Those  two,  i.e.  Britomart  and 

6  Forbore,  kept  away  from.  Scudamour. 

7  Sufferance,  i.e.  his  patience.  1S  Instantly,  urgently. 

14  Mesprise,  contempt. 


BRITOMART.  205 

In  milder  terms,  as  list  them  l  to  devise ; 
Mongst  which  the  cause  of  their  so  cruel  heat 
He  did  them  ask ;  who  all  that  passed  gan  repeat ; 

1 5.  And  told  at  large  how  that  same  errant  knight, 
To  weet,2  fair  Britomart,  them  late  had  foiled 
In  open  tourney,  and  by  wrongful  fight 
Both  of  their  public  praise  had  them  despoiled, 
And  also  of  their  private  loves  beguiled  ; 
Of  two  full  hard  to  read3  the  harder  theft. 
But  she  that  wrongful  challenge  4  soon  assoiled,5 
And  shewed  that  she  had  not  that  lady  6  reft,7 
(As  they   supposed,)   but    her   had    to    her   liking 
left. 

1 6  To  whom  the  prince  thus  goodly  well  replied  : 
"Certes,8  Sir  knights,  ye  seemen9  much  to  blame 
To  rip  up  wrong  that  battle  once  hath  tried ; 
Wherein  the  honor  both  of  arms  ye  shame, 
And  eke  the  love  of  ladies  foul  defame ; 
To  whom  the  world  this  franchise 10  ever  yielded, 
That   of   their  loves'   choice    they  might    freedom 

claim, 

And  in  that  right  should  by  all  knights  be  shielded  : 
Gainst  which,  me  seems,  this  war  ye  wrongfully 

have  wielded."  n 

6  That  lady;   that  is,  the  false 

1  List  them,  they  pleased.  Florimell. 

2  To  weet,  to  wit.  7  Reft,  taken  away. 

3  Read,  declare.  8  Certes,  certainly. 

4  Challenge,  charge,  accusation.  9  Seemen,  seem. 

5  Assoiled,  cleared  herself  of.  10  Franchise,  liberty. 

11  Wielded,  waged. 


206  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

17  "And  yet,"  quoth  she,  "a  greater  wrong  remains  : 
For  I  thereby  my  former  love  have  lost ; 

Whom  seeking  ever  since  with  endless  pains 
Hath  me  much  sorrow  and  much  travel l  cost : 
Aye  me,  to  see  that  gentle  maid  so  tossed ! " 
But  Scudamour  then,  sighing  deep,  thus  said  : 
"Certes  her  loss  ought  me  to  sorrow2  most, 
Whose  right  she  is,  wherever  she  be  strayed, 
Through  many  perils  won,  and  many  fortunes  waide3 : 

1 8  "  For  from  the  first  that  I  her  love  professed, 
Unto  this  hour,  this  present  luckless  hour, 

I  never  joyed4  happiness  nor  rest  ; 

But  thus  turmoiled6  from  one  to  other  stowre6 

I  waste  my  life,  and  do  my  days  devour 

In  wretched  anguish  and  incessant  woe, 

Passing  the  measure  of  my  feeble  power ; 

That,  living  thus  a  wretch  and  loving  so, 

I  neither  can  my  love  ne  yet  my  life  forego." 


19  Then  good  Sir  Claribell  him  thus  bespake : 
"  Now  were  it  not,  Sir  Scudamour,  to  you 
Dislikeful 7  pain  so  sad  a  task  to  take, 
Mote  we 8  entreat  you,  sith  this  gentle  crew  9 
Is  now  so  well  accorded  all  anew, 

1  Travel,  labor.  5  Turmoiled,  disquieted. 

2  Sorrow,  grieve.  6  Stowre,  disturbance. 

8  Waide,  weighed  ;  esteemed.  7  Dislikeful,  disagreeable. 

4  Joyed,  enjoyed.  9  Mote  we,  i.e.  we  should  like  to. 

9  Gentle  crew,  noble  company. 


BRITOMART.  207 

That,  as  we  ride  together  on  our  way, 

Ye  will  recount  to  us  in  order  due 

All  that  adventure  which  ye  did  assay 

For  that  fair  lady's  love  :  past  perils  well  appay."  1 

20  So  gan  the  rest  him  likewise  to  require  2 : 
But  Britomart  did  him  importune  hard 
To  take  on  him  that  pain  ;  whose  great  desire 
He  glad  to  satisfy,  himself  prepar'd 
To  tell  through  what  misfortune  he  had  far'd 
In  that  achievement,  as  to  him  befell, 
And  all  those  dangers  unto  them  declar'd ; 
Which  sith  they  cannot  in  this  canto  well 
Comprised  be,  I  will  them  in  another  tell. 

Where  Amoret  was  all  this  while  it  is  not  easy  to  guess.  Doubtles 
Prince  Arthur  left  her  in  some  place  of  safety  while  he  joined  in  the 
struggle  just  described.  In  the  following  canto  —  canto  X,  book  IV 
—  Scudamour  tells  how  he  gained  the  hand  of  his  lovely  wife.  This  is 
the  last  that  we  hear  of  Amoret.  Had  Spenser  finished  the  "  Faery 
Queene "  we  may  believe  that  he  would  have  described  the  happy 
reunion  of  this  sorely  tried  pair. 

1  Appay,  please,  satisfy.  2  Require,  request. 


XIV. 

The  poet  goes  back  in  his  narrative  to  tell  of  the  education  of  Artegall, 
the  knight  of  Justice.  Artegall  starts  out  to  deliver  Irena  from  the  giant 
Grantorto.  After  a  number  of  adventures,  the  young  knight  frees  Sir 
Terpin  from  the  Amazons  and  has  an  encounter  "with  Radigitrd,  the 
Amazonian  queen. 

1  THOUGH  virtue  then  were  held  in  highest  price, 
In  those  old  times  of  which  I  do  intreat,1 

Yet  then  likewise  the  wicked  seed  of  vice 
Began  to  spring ;  which  shortly  grew  full  great, 
And  with  their  boughs  the  gentle  plants  did  beat  : 
But  evermore  some  of  the  virtuous  race 
Rose  up,  inspired  with  heroic  heat, 
That  cropped  the  branches  of  the  sient 2  base, 
And  with  strong  hand  their  fruitful  rankness  did 
deface. 

2  Such  first  was  Bacchus,  that  with  furious  might 
All  th'  east,  before  untamed,  did  overrun, 
And  wrong  repressed,  and  established  right 
Which  lawless  men  had  formerly  fordone  3  : 
There  Justice  first  her  princely  rule  begun. 
Next  Hercules  his  like  ensample  showed, 
Who  all  the  west  with  equal  conquest  won, 
And  monstrous  tyrants  with  his  club  subdued ; 
The  club  of  justice  dread,  with  kingly  pow'r  endued. 

1  Intreat,  treat.  2  Sient,  scion. 

3  Fordone,  destroyed. 


BRITOMART.  209 

3  And  such  was  he  of  whom  I  have  to  tell, 
The  champion  of  true  justice,  Artegall1 : 
Whom  (as  ye  lately  mote  remember  well) 
An  hard  adventure,  which  did  then  befall 
Into  redoubted  peril  forth  did  call ; 
That  was,  to  succour  a  distressed  dame 
Whom  a  strong  tyrant  did  unjustly  thrall,2 
And  from  the  heritage  which  she  did  claim 

Did  with  strong  hand  withhold  ;  Grantorto  3  was  his 
name. 

4  Wherefore  the  lady,  which  Irena 4  hight,5 
Did  to  the  Faery  Queen  her  way  address, 
To  whom  complaining  her  afflicted  plight, 
She  her  besought  of  gracious  redress  : 

That  sovereign  queen,  that  mighty  emperesse, 
Whose  glory  is  to  aid  all  suppliants  pore,6 
And  of  weak  princes  to  be  patroness, 
Chose  Artegall  to  right  her  to  restore ; 
For  that  to  her  he  seemed  best  skilled  in  righteous 
lore. 

5  For  Artegall  in  justice  was  upbrought 
Even  from  the  cradle  of  his  infancy, 

And  all  the  depth  of  rightful  doom 7  was  taught 

1  Artegall.     Spenser  was  secre-  2  Thrall,  imprison, 

tary    to    Arthur,    Lord    Grey    of  3  Grantorto,  i.e.  great  wrong. 

Wilton,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ire-  *  Irena.     Irena,  or  Irene,  is  an 

land.    The  poet  was  a  warm  friend  anagram  of  feme,  the  ancient  name 

and  admirer  of  Lord  Grey's,  and  of  Ireland.     Church, 
expressed  his  admiration  by  por-  5  Hight,  was  called, 

traying  his  character  in  the  knight  6  Pore,  poor, 

of  Justice,  Artegall.  7  Doom,  judgment. 


210  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

By  fair  Astrasa,1  with  great  industry, 

Whilst  here  on  earth  she  lived  mortally : 

For,  till  the  world  from  his  perfection  fell 

Into  all  filth  and  foul  iniquity, 

Astraea  here  mongst  earthly  men  did  dwell, 

And  in  the  rules  of  justice  them  instructed  well. 

6  Whiles  through  the  world  she  walked  in  this  sort, 
Upon  a  day  she  found  this  gentle  child 
Amongst  his  peers  playing  his  childish  sport ; 
Whom  seeing  fit,  and  with  no  crime  defiled, 

She  did  allure  with  gifts  and  speeches  mild 

To  wend  with  her :  so  thence  him  far  she  brought 

Into  a  cave  from  company  exiled, 

In  which  she  nursled  him,  till  years  he  raught 2 ; 

And  all  the  discipline  of  justice  there  him  taught. 

7  There  she  him  taught  to  weigh  both  right  and  wrong 
In  equal  balance  with  due  recompense, 

And  equity  to  measure  out  along 

According  to  the  line  of  conscience, 

Whenso  it  needs  with  rigor  to  dispense : 

Of  all  the  which,  for  want  there  of  mankind, 

She  caused  him  to  make  experience' 

Upon  wild  beasts  which  she  in  woods  did  find 

With  wrongful  pow'r  oppressing  others  of  their  kind. 

8  Thus  she  him  trained,  and  thus  she  him  taught 
In  all  the  skill  of  deeming3  wrong  and  right, 

1  Astrcea,  the  goddess  of  Justice  2  Raught,  reached, 

who  during  the  golden  age  lived  8  Deeming,  judging, 

on  the  earth. 


BRITOMART.  211 

Until  the  ripeness  of  man's  years  he  raught ; 
That  even  wild  beasts  did  fear  his  awful  sight, 
And  men  admired 1  his  over-ruling  might ; 
Ne  any  lived  on  ground  tbat  durst  withstand 
His  dreadful  hest,2  much  less  him  match  in  fight, 
Or  bide  the  horror  of  his  wreakful3  hand, 
Whenso  he  list  in  wrath  lift  up  his  steely  brand  : 

9  Which  steely  brand,  to  make  him  dreaded  more, 
She  gave  unto  him,  gotten  by  her  sleight 4 
And  earnest  search,  where  it  was  kept  in  store 
In  Jove's  eternal  house,  unwist  of  wight,5 
Since  he  himself  it  used  in  that  great  fight 
Against  the  Titans,6  that  whilom  rebelled 
Gainst  highest  heaven  ;  Chrysaor  7  it  was  hight ; 
Chrysaor,  that  all  other  swords  excelled, 
Well   proved  in  that  same  day  when  Jove  those 
giants  quelled : 

10  For  of  most  perfect  metal  it  was  made, 
Temp'red  with  adamant 8  amongst  the  same, 
And  garnished  all  with  gold  upon  the  blade 
In  goodly  wise,  whereof  it  took  his  9  name, 
And  was  of  no  less  virtue  than  of  fame  : 

1  Admired,  wondered  at.  Jupiter  after  he  had  wrested  the 

'z  Hest,  command.  power  from  his  father,  Saturn. 

3  Wreakful,  avengeful.  7  Chrysaor,  i,e.  golden  sword. 

4  Sleight,  art,  skill.  8  Adamant,  a  stone  supposed  to 
8  Unwist  of  wight,  unbeknown  be  of  impenetrable  hardness.    The 

to  any  one.  name  is  not  used  in  modern  miner- 

6  That  great  fight,  etc.    The  Ti-       alogy. 

tans,  the  old  gods,  rebelled  against  9  His,  commonly  used  for   its 

in  Spenser's  time. 


212  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

For  there  no  substance  was  so  firm  and  hard, 
But  it  would  pierce  or  cleave  whereso  it  came ; 
Ne  any  armour  could  his  dint  out-ward  l ; 
But  wheresoever  it  did  light,  it  throughly  shard.2 

1 1  Now  when  the  world  with  sin  gan  to  abound, 
Astraea  loathing  lenger  here  to  space  3 

Mongst  wicked  men,  in  whom  no  truth  she  found, 

Returned  to  heaven,  whence  she  derived  her  race  4 ; 

Where  she  hath  now  an  everlasting  place 

Mongst  those  twelve  signs  which  nightly  we  do  see 

The  heaven's  bright-shining  baldric6  to  enchase6; 

And  is  the  Virgin,  sixt  in  her  degree,7 

And  next  herself  her  righteous  balance 8  hanging  be. 

12  But  when  she  parted  hence  she  left  her  groom,9 
An  iron  man,  which  did  on  her  attend 
Always,  to  execute  her  steadfast  doom, 

And  willed  him  with  Artegall  to  wend, 
And  do  whatever  thing  he  did  intend  : 
His  name  was  Talus,10  made  of  iron  mould, 
Immoveable,  resistless,  without  end; 

1  Could  his  dint  out-ward,  i.e.  The  Virgin  signifies  the  constel- 
could  ward  off  its  blow.  lation   Virgo.     August,  in    which 

2  Throughly    shard,   i.e.    cut  the   sun   enters   the   constellation 
through  entirely.  Virgo,  was    the    sixth    month    in 

8  Space,  walk.  Spenser's  time,  because  from  the 

4  Whence  she  derived  her  race,  fourteenth  century  to  the  middle 

i.e.  where  she  originated.  of  the  eighteenth,  the  year  began 

6  Baldric,  belt  worn  over  one  on  the  25th  of  March. 

shoulder.  8  Balance  ;  here  plural. 

6  Enchase,  ornament.  9  Groom,  servant. 

7  The  Virgin,  sixt  in  her  degree.  10  Talus  represents  power. 


BRITOMART.  213 

Who  in  his  hand  an  iron  flail  did  hold, 
With  which  he  threshed  out  falsehood  and  did  truth 
unfold. 

13   He  now  went  with  him  in  this  new  inquest,1 
Him  for  to  aid,  if  aid  he  chanced  to  need, 
Against  that  cruel  tyrant,  which  oppressed 
The  fair  Irena  with  his  foul  misdeed, 
And  kept  the  crown  in  which  she  should  succeed  : 


While  passing  on  his  way,  the  knight  met  with  several  adventures  in 
which  he  gave  proof  of  his  bravery  and  of  his  good  judgment  as  well. 
He  then  — 

Departed  on  his  way,  as  did  befall. 

To  follow  his  old  quest,  the  which  him  forth  did  call. 

14  So  as  he  travelled  upon  the  way, 

He  chanced  to  come,  where  happily  2  he  spied 

A  rout  of  many  people  far  away ; 

To  whom  his  course  he  hastily  applied,3 

To  weet 4  the  cause  of  their  assemblance  wide  : 

To  whom  when  he  approached  near  in  sight, 

(An  uncouth  5  sight,)  he  plainly  then  descried 

To  be  a  troop  of  women,  warlike  dight,6 

With  weapons  in  their  hands,  as  ready  for  a  fight : 

1 5  And  in  the  midst  of  them  he  saw  a  knight, 
With  both  his  hands  behind  him  pinnoed 7  hard, 

1  In  this  new  inquest,  on   the  *  Weet,  know, 
new  quest.  5  Uncouth,  strange. 

2  Happily,  by  chance.  6  Warlike   dight,  arrayed   in    a 
8  Applied,  directed.                             warlike  manner. 

7  Pinnoed,  pinioned. 


214  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  round  about  his  neck  an  halter  tight, 

And  ready  for  the  gallow  tree  prepard 1 : 

His  face  was  covered,  and  his  head  was  bar'd, 

That  who  he  was  uneath  2  was  to  descry ; 

And  with  full  heavy  heart  with  them  he  far'd,3 

Grieved  to  the  soul,  and  groaning  inwardly, 

That  he  of  women's  hands  so  base  a  death  should  die. 

1 6  But  they,  like  tyrants  merciless,  the  more 
Rejoiced  at  his  miserable  case, 

And  him  reviled  and  reproached  sore 

With  bitter  taunts  and  terms  of  vile  disgrace. 

Now  when  as  Artegall,  arrived  in  place, 

Did  ask  what  cause  brought  that  man  to  decay,4 

They  round  about  him  gan  to  swarm  apace, 

Meaning  on  him  their  cruel  hands  to  lay, 

And  to  have  wrought  unwares  some  villainous  assay.5 

1 7  But  he  was  soon  aware  of  their  ill  mind, 
And,  drawing  back,  deceived  their  intent : 
Yet,  though  himself  did  shame  on  womankind 
His  mighty  hand  to  shend,6  he  Talus  sent 

To  wreck7  on  them  their  folly's  hardiment8: 

Who  with  few  souses9  of  his  iron  flail 

Dispersed  all  their  troop  incontinent,10 

And  sent  them  home  to  tell  a  piteous  tale 

Of  their  vain  prowess  turned  to  their  proper  bale.11 

1  Prepard,  prepared.  6  Shend,  disgrace. 

2  Uneath,  not  easy.  7  Wreck,  wreak,  revenge. 
8  Fared,  went.  8  Hardiment,  boldness. 

4  Decay,  destruction.  9  Souses,  blows. 

6  Assay,  assault.  10  Incontinent,  instantly. 

11  Their  proper  bale,  their  own  sorrow. 


BRITOMART.  215 

1 8  But  that  same  wretched  man,  ordained  to  die, 
They  left  behind  them,  glad  to  be  so  quit : 
Him  Talus  took  out  of  perplexity, 

And  horror  of  foul  death  fpr  knight  unfit, 

Who  more  then  loss  of  life  ydreaded  it ; 

And,  him  restoring  unto  living  light, 

So  brought  unto  his  lord,  where  he  did  sit 

Beholding  all  that  womanish  weak  fight  ; 

Whom  soon  as  he  beheld  he  knew,  and  thus  behight1 : 

1 9  "  Sir  Terpin,  hapless  man,  what  make  you  here  2  ? 
Or  have  you  lost  yourself  and  your  discretion, 
That  ever  in  this  wretched  case  ye  were  3  ? 

Or  have  ye  yielded  you  to  proud  oppression 

Of  women's  pow'r,  that  boast  of  men's  subjection  ? 

Or  else  what  other  deadly  dismal  day 

Is  fall'n  on  you  by  heaven's  hard  direction, 

That  ye  were  run  so  fondly  4  far  astray, 

As  for  to  lead  yourself  unto  your  own  decay  ? " 

20  Much  was  the  man  confounded  in  his  mind, 
Partly  with  shame,  and  partly  with  dismay, 
That  all  astonished  he  himself  did  find, 
And  little  had  for  his  excuse  to  say, 

But  only  thus  :    "  Most  hapless  well  ye  may 
Me  justly  term,  that  to  this  shame  am  brought, 
And  made  the  scorn  of  knighthood  this  same  day : 
But  who  can  scape  what  his  own  fate  hath  wrought  ? 
The  work  of  heaven's  will  surpasseth  human  thought." 

1  Behight,  addressed.  8  That  ever  in  this  wretched  case 

2  What  make  you  here,  i.e.  what      ye  were,  i.e.  that  you  should  have 
are  you  doing  here.  got  into  this  wretched  plight. 

4   Fondly,  foolishly. 


216  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

21  "  Right  true  :  but  faulty  men  use  oftentimes 
To  attribute  their  folly  unto  fate, 

And  lay  on  heaven  the  guilt  of  their  own  crimes. 
But  tell,  Sir  Terpin,  ne  let  you  amate 
Your  misery,1  how  fell  ye  in  this  state  ? " 
"Then  sith  ye  needs,"  quoth  he,  "will  know  my 

shame, 

And  all  the  ill  which  chanced  to  me  of  late, 
I  shortly  will  to  you. rehearse  the  same, 
In  hope  you  will  not  turn  misfortune  to  my  blame. 

22  "  Being  desirous  (as  all  knights  are  wont) 
Through  hard  adventures  deeds  of  arms  to  try, 
And  after  fame  and  honour  for  to  hunt, 

I  heard  report  that  far  abroad  did  fly, 
That  a  proud  amazon  did  late  defy 
All  the  brave  knights  that  hold  of  Maidenhead,2 
And  unto  them  wrought  all  the  villainy 
That  she  could  forge  in  her  malicious  head, 
Which  some  hath  put  to  shame,  and  many  done  be 
dead.3 

23  "The  cause,  they  say,  of  this  her  cruel  hate, 
Is  for  the  sake  of  Bellodant  the  bold, 

To  whom  she  bore  most  fervent  love  of  late, 
And  wooed  him  by  all  the  ways  she  could : 
But,  when  she  saw  at  last  that  he  ne  would 
For  ought  or  nought  be  won  unto  her  will, 

1  Ne  let  you  amate  your  misery,       that  acknowledge  allegiance  to  the 
i.e.  nor  let  your  misery  confound       maiden  queen,  Gloriana. 

you,  overwhelm  you.  8  Done  be  dead,  i.e.  caused  to  be 

2  That  hold  of  Maidenhead,  i.e.       put  to  death. 


BRITOMART.  217 

She  turned  her  love  to  hatred  manifold, 
And  for  his  sake  vowed  to  do  all  the  ill 
Which  she  could  do  to  knights ;    which  now  she 
doth  fulfil. 

24  "  For  all  those  knights,  the  which  by  force  or  guile 
She  doth  subdue,  she  foully  doth  entreat 1 : 

First,  she  doth  them  of  warlike  arms  despoil, 

And  clothe  in  women  weeds2;  and  then  with  threat 

Doth  them  compel  to  work,  to  earn  their  meat,3 

To  spin,  to  card,  to  sew,  to  wash,  to  wring ; 

Ne  doth  she  give  them  other  thing  to  eat 

But  bread  and  water,  or  like  feeble  thing ; 

Them  to  disable  from  revenge- adventuring.4 

25  "But  if  through  stout  disdain  of  manly  mind 
Any  her  proud  observance  5  will  withstand, 
Upon  that  gibbet,  which  is  there  behind, 

She  causeth  them  be  hanged  up  out  of  hand  6 ; 

In  which  condition  I  right  now  did  stand  : 

For,  being  overcome  by  her  in  fight, 

And  put  to  that  base  service  of  her  band, 

I  rather  chose  to  die  in  live's  despite,7 

Then  lead  that  shameful  life,  unworthy  of  a  knight." 

26  "  How  hight  that  amazon,"  said  Artegall, 

"  And  where  and  how  far  hence  does  she  abide  ? " 
"  Her  name,"  quoth  he,  "  they  Radigund  do  call, 
A  princess  of  great  power  and  greater  pride, 

1  Entreat,  treat.  6  Observance,  order. 

2  Weeds,  garments.  6  Out  of  hand,  forthwith. 

3  Meat,  food.  7  In  live's  despite,  i.e.  despising 

4  Adventuring,  attempting.  life. 


218  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  queen  of  amazons,  in  arms  well  tried 
And  sundry  battles,  which  she  hath  achieved 
With  great  success,  that  her  hath  glorified, 
And  made  her  famous,  more  then  is  believed  ; 
Ne   would   I   it   have   weened1   had    I    not  late  it 
prieved.2" 

27  "  Now,  sure,"  said  he,  "and  by  the  faith  that  I 
To  Maidenhead  3  and  noble  knighthood  owe, 

I  will  not  rest  till  I  her  might  do  try, 

And  venge4  the  shame  that  she  to  knights  doth 

show. 

Therefore,  Sir  Terpin,  from  you  lightly  throw 
This  squalid  weed,5  the  pattern  of  despair, 
And  wend  with  me,  that  ye  may  see  and  know 
How  fortune  will  your  ruined  name  repair 
And  knights  of  Maidenhead,  whose  praise  she  would 

impair." 

28  With  that,  like  one  that  hopeless  was  repryved  6 
From  deathes  door  at  which  he  lately  lay, 
Those  iron  fetters  with  which  he  was  gyved,7 
The  badges  of  reproach,  he  threw  away, 

And  nimbly  did  him  dight 8  to  guide  the  way 

Unto  the  dwelling  of  that  amazone  : 

Which  was  from  thence  not  past  a  mile  or  tway,9 

A  goodly  city  and  a  mighty  one, 

The  which,  of  her  own  name,  she  called  Radegone. 

1  Weened,  believed.  6  Weed,  garment. 

2  Prieved,  proved.  6  Repryved,  reprieved. 

3  Maidenhead,  maidenhood  ;  i.e.  7  Gyved,  fettered. 
Gloriana.  8  Dight,  make  ready. 

*  Venge,  revenge.  9  Tway,  two. 


BRITOMART.  219 

29  Where  they  arriving  by  the  watchman  were 
Descried  straight  ;  who  all  the  city  warned 
How  that  three  warlike  persons  did  appear, 

Of  which  the  one  him  seemed  a  knight  all  armed, 
And  th'  other  two  well  likely  to  have  harmed. 
Eftsoones l  the  people  all  to  harness  ran, 
And  like  a  sort 2  of  bees  in  clusters  swarmed  : 
Ere  long  their  queen  herself,  half  like  a  man, 
Came  forth  into  the  rout,  and  them  t'  array  3  began. 

30  And  now  the  knights,  being  arrived  near, 
Did  beat  upon  the  gates  to  enter  in  ; 
And  at  the  porter,  scorning  them  so  few, 
Threw  many  threats,  if  they  the  town  did  win, 
To  tear  his  flesh  in  pieces  for  his  sin  : 
Which  when  as  Radigund  there  coming  heard, 
Her  heart  for  rage  did  grate,4  and  teeth  did  grin  6 : 
She  bade  that  straight  the  gate  should  be  unbarred, 
And  to  them  way  to  make  with  weapons  well  prepard. 

3 1  Soon  as  the  gates  were  open  to  them  set, 
They  pressed  forward,  entrance  to  have  made  : 
But  in  the  middle  way  they  were  ymet 

With  a  sharp  shower  of  arrows,  which  them  stayed 
And  better  bade  advise,6  ere  they  assayed 
Unknowen  peril  of  bold  women's  pride. 
Then  all  that  rout  upon  them  rudely  laid, 

1  Eftsoones,  immediately.  *  Did  grate,  became   irritated, 

2  Sort,  company,  swarm.  enraged. 

8  T' 'array,  to    draw  up,    ready  5  Teeth  did  grin,  i.e.  she  showed 

for  battle.  her  teeth  as  if  grinning  with  rage. 

6  Advise,  consider. 


220  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  heaped  strokes  so  fast  on  every  side, 
And  arrows   hailed   so  thick,  that  they  could   not 
abide. 

32  But  Radigund  herself,  when  she  espied 
Sir  Terpin,  from  her  direful-  doom  acquit, 
So  cruel  dole  amongst  her  maids  divide,1 

T'  avenge  that  shame  they  did  on  him  commit, 
All  suddenly  enflamed  with  furious  fit, 
Like  a  fell  lioness  at  him  she  flew, 
And  on  his  head-piece  him  so  fiercely  smit, 
That  to  the  ground  him  quite  she  overthrew, 
Dismayed  so  with   the  stroke  that  he  no  colours 
knew.2 

33  Soon  as  she  saw  him  on  the  ground  to  grovel, 
She  lightly  to  him  leapt  ;  and,  in  his  neck 
Her  proud  foot  setting,  at  his  head  did  level, 
Weening  at  once  her  wrath  on  him  to  wreak, 
And  his  contempt,  that  did  her  judgment  break  : 
As  when  a  bear  hath  seized  3  her  cruel  claws 
Upon  the  carcass  of  some  beast  too  weak, 
Proudly  stands  over,  and  awhile  doth  pause 

To  hear  the  piteous  beast   pleading  her  plaintiffe 
cause. 

34  Whom  when  as  Artegall  in  that  distress 

By  chance  beheld,  he  left  the  bloody  slaughter 
In  which  he  swam,  and  ran  to  his  redress  : 

1  So    cruel    dole    amongst    her  2  He  no  colours  knew,  i.e  every- 

maids    divide,  i.e.   bringing    such       thing  looked  dark  to  him. 
suffering  upon  her  maids.  8  Seized,  fastened. 


BRITOMART.  221 

There  her  assailing  fiercely  fresh,  he  raught l  her 
Such  an  huge  stroke,  that  it  of  sense  distraught2 

her  ; 

And,  had  she  not  it  warded  warily, 
It  had  deprived  her  mother  of  a  daughter  : 
Nathless  for  all  the  pow'r  she  did  apply 
It  made  her  stagger  oft,  and  stare  with  ghastly  eye. 

35  Like  to  an  eagle,  in  his  kingly  pride 
Soaring  through  his  wide  empire  of  the  air, 

To  weather 3  his  broad  sails,  by  chance  hath  spied 
A  goshawk,  which  hath  seized  ^for  her  share 
Upon  some  fowl,  that  should  her  feast  prepare  ; 
With  dreadful  force  he  flies  at  'her  bylive,4 
That  with  his  souse,5  which  none  enduren  dare, 
Her  from  the  quarry  6  he  away  doth  drive, 
And  from  her  griping  pounce  the  greedy  prey  doth 
rive.7 

36  But,  soon  as  she  her  sense  recovered  had, 
She  fiercely  towards  him  herself  gan  dight,8 
Through  vengeful  wrath  and  'sdainful   pride  half 

mad  ; 

For  never  had  she  suff  'red  such  despite  : 
But,  ere  she  could  join  hand  with  him  to  fight, 
Her  warlike  maids  about  her  flocked  so  fast, 
That  they  disparted  them,  maugre9  their  might, 

1  Raught,  dealt.  5  Souse,  sudden  swoop. 

2  Distraught,  deprived.  6  Quarry,  prey. 

3  Weather;  air.  7  Rive,  tear  away. 

4  Bylive,  quickly.  8  Gan  dight,  began  to  prepare. 

9  Maugre,  in  spite  of. 


222  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  with  their  troops  did  far  asunder  cast  : 

But  mongst  the  rest  the  fight  did  until  evening  last. 

37  And  every  while  that  mighty  iron  man 

With  his  strange  weapon,  never  wont J  in  war, 
Them  sorely  vexed,  and  coursed,  and  overran, 
And  broke  their  bows,  and  did  their  shooting  mar, 
That  none  of  all  the  many  once  did  darre 
Him  to  assault,  nor  once  approach  him  nigh  ; 
But  like  a  sort 2  of  sheep  dispersed  far, 
For  dread  of  their  devouring  enemy, 
Through  all  the  fields  and  valleys  did  before  him  fly. 

38  But  whenas  day's  fair  shiny  beam,  yclouded 
With  fearful  shadows  of  deformed  night, 
Warned  man  and  beast  in  quiet  rest  be  shrouded, 
Bold  Radigund,  with  sound  of  trump  on  hight,3 
Caused  all  her  people  to  surcease  4  from  fight ; 
And,  gathering  them  unto  her  city's  gate, 
Made  them  all  enter  in  before  her  sight ; 

And  all  the  wounded,  and  the  weak  in  state, 
To  be  conveyed  in,  ere  she  would  once  retrate. 

39  When  thus  the  field  was  voided  5  all  away, 
And  all  things  quieted,  the  elfin  knight,6 
Weary  of  toil  and  travel  of  that  day, 
Caused  his  pavilion  to  be  richly  pight 7 

1  Wont,  used.  8  Voided,  cleared. 

2  Sort,  company,  flock.  6  Elfin  knight,  i.e.  faery  knight, 

3  On  hight,  aloud.  because    he    serves    the    Faery 

4  Surcease,  cease  entirely.  Queen. 

7  Pight,  pitched. 


BRITOMART.  223 

Before  the  city  gate,  in  open  sight  ; 

Where  he  himself  did  rest  in  safety, 

Together  with  Sir  Terpin,  all  that  night  : 

But  Talus  used,  in  times  of  jeopardy, 

To  keep  a  nightly  watch  for  dread  of  treachery. 

40  But  Radigund,  full  of  heart-gnawing  grief 
For  the  rebuke  which  she  sustained  that  day, 
Could  take  no  rest,  ne  would  receive  relief  ; 
But  tossed  in  her  troublous  mind  what  way 
She  mote  revenge  that  blot  which  on  her  lay. 
There  she  resolved  herself  in  single  fight 

To  try  her  fortune,  and  his  force  assay, 

Rather  then  see  her  people  spoiled  quite, 

As  she  had  seen  that  day,  a  disaventerous l  sight. 

41  She  called  forth  to  her  a  trusty  maid, 
Whom  she  thought  fittest  fot  that  business, 
(Her  name  was  Clarin,)  and  thus  to  her  said  : 
"  Go,  damsel,  quickly,  do  thyself  address  2 
To  do  the  message  which  I  shall  express. 

Go  thou  unto  that  stranger  faery  knight, 

Who  yesterday  drove  us  to  such  distress  ; 

Tell  that  tomorrow  I  with  him  will  fight, 

And  try  in  equal  field  whether  3  hath  greater  might. 

42  "  But  these  conditions  do  to  him  propound  ; 
That,  if  I  vanquish  him,  he  shall  obey 

My  law,  and  ever  to  my  lore  4  be  bound  ; 
And  so  will  I,  if  me  he  vanquish  may, 

1  Disaventerous,  unhappy.  3  Whether,  which  of  the  two. 

2  Address,  make  ready.  *  Lore,  command. 


224  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Whatever  he  shall  like  to  do  or  say  : 
Go  straight,  and  take  with  thee  to  witness  it 
Six  of  thy  fellows  of  the  best  array, 
And  bear  with  you  both  wine  and  junkets 1  fit, 
And  bid  him  eat  :  henceforth  he  oft  shall  hungry 
sit." 

43  The  damsel  straight 2  obeyed  :  and,  putting  all 
In  readiness,  forth  to  the  town-gate  went  ; 
Where,  sounding  loud  a  trumpet  from  the  wall, 
Unto  those  warlike  knights  she  warning  sent. 
Then  Talus,  forth  issuing  from  the  tent, 
Unto  the  wall  his  way  did  fearless  take, 

To  weeten  3  what  that  trumpet's  sounding  meant  : 
Where  that  same  damsel  loudly  him  bespake, 
And  showed  that  with  his  lord  she  would  em  par- 
lance4 make. 
» 

44  So  he  them  straight  conducted  to  his  lord  ; 
Who,  as  he  could,  them  goodly  well  did  greet, 
Till  they  had  told  their  message  word  by  word  : 
Which  he  accepting  well,  as  he  could  weet,6 
Them  fairly  entertained  with  curt'sies  meet, 
And  gave  them  gifts  and  things  of  dear  delight. 
So  back  again  they  homeward  turned  their  feet  ; 
But  Artegall  himself  to  rest  did  dight,6 

That  he  mote   fresher  be  against   the  next   day's 
fight. 

1  Junkets,  sweetmeats.  4  Emparlance,  parley. 

2  Straight,  straightway.  5  As  he  could  weet,  as  he  knew 
8  To  weeten,  to  learn.                         how. 

6  Dight,  prepare. 


XV. 

Artegall  meets  Radigund  in  single  combat  and  yields  himself  her 
vassal.     His  degradation. 

1  So  soon  as  day  forth  dawning  from  the  east 
Night's  humid  curtain  from  the  heavens  withdrew, 
And  early  calling  forth  both  man  and  beast, 
Commanded  them  their  daily  works  renew  ; 
These  noble  warriors,  mindful  to  pursue 

The  last  day's  purpose  of  their  vowed  fight, 
Themselves  thereto  prepared  in  order  due  ; 
The  knight,  as  best  was  seeming  for  a  knight, 
And  th'  amazon,  as  best  it  liked  herself  to  dight 1 : 

2  All  in  a  camis  2  light  of  purple  silk 
Woven  upon  with  silver,  subtly  wrought, 
And  quilted  upon  satin  white  as  milk  ; 
Trailed  with  ribbons  diversely  distraught,3    , 
Like  as  the  workman  had  their  courses  taught  ; 
Which  was  short  tucked  for  light  motion 

Up  to  her  ham  4  ;  but,  when  she  list,5  it  raught 6 

Down  to  her  lowest  heel,  and  thereupon 

She  wore  for  her  defence  a  mailed  habergeon.7 

1  As  best  it  liked  herself  to  dight,  distraught,  i.e.  with    ribbons    run- 
i.e.  as  she  liked  best  to  array  her-  ning  over  it  in  different  directions, 
self.  *  Ham,  thigh. 

2  Camis,  a  loose  robe.  6  List,  pleased. 

8  Trailed  with  ribbons  diversely  6  Ranght,  reached. 

7  Habergeon,  sleeveless  coat  of  mail. 


226  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

3  And  on  her  legs  she  painted  buskins 1  wore, 
Basted  with  bands  of  gold  2  on  every  side, 
And  mails  3  between,  and  laced  close  afore  ; 
Upon  her  thigh  her  scimitar  was  tied 
With  an  embroidered  belt  of  mickle  pride  4 ; 
And  on  her  shoulder  hung  her  shield,  bedecked 
Upon  the  boss  5  with  stones  that  shined  wide, 
As  the  fair  moon  in  her  most  full  aspect ; 

That  to  the  moon  it  mote  be  like  in  each  respect. 

4  So  forth  she  came  out  of  the  city-gate 
With  stately  port  and  proud  magnificence, 
Guarded  with  many  damsels  that  did  wait 
Upon  her  person  for  her  sure  defence, 

Playing  on  shawms 6  and  trumpets,  that  from  hence 
Their  sound  did  reach  unto  the  heaven's  height  : 
So  forth  into  the  field  she  marched  thence, 
Where  was  a  rich  pavilion  ready  pight 
Her  to  receive,  till  time  they  should  begin  the  fight. 

5  Then  forth  came  Artegall  out  of  his  tent, 

All  armed  to  point,7  and  first  the  lists  did  enter  : 
Soon  after  eke 8  came  she  with  full  intent 
And  countenance  fierce,  as  having  fully  bent  her 
That  battle's  utmost  trial  to  adventer.9 

1  Buskins,    coverings    for    the  *  Belt  of  mickle  pride,  i.e.  a  rich, 
feet,  coming  some  distance  up  the       showy  belt. 

leg.  6  Boss,  any  protuberant  part. 

2  Basted  with  bands  of  gold,  i.e.  6  Shawms,  pipes. 

with  bands  of  gold  sewed  on.  7  To  point,  i.e.   at    all    points, 

8  Mails,  metal  rings  interlinked.       completely. 

8  Eke,  likewise. 
9  Adventer,  try. 


BRITOMART.  227 

The  lists  were  closed  fast,  to  bar  the  rout 
From  rudely  pressing  on  the  middle  centre  ; 
Which  in  great  heaps  them  circled  all  about, 
Waiting  how  fortune  would  resolve  that  dangerous 
doubt.1 

6  The  trumpets  sounded,  and  the  field  2  began  ; 
With  bitter  strokes  it  both  began  and  ended. 
She  at  the  first  encounter  on  him  ran 

With  furious  rage,  as  if  she  had  intended 
Out  of  his  breast  the  very  heart  have  rended  : 
But  he,  that  had  like  tempests  often  tried, 
From  that  first  flaw  himself  right  well  defended. 
The  more  she  raged,  the  more  "he  did  abide  : 
She  hewed,  she  foined,3  she  lashed,  she  laid   on 
every  side. 

7  Yet  still  her  blows  he  bore,  and  her  forbore, 
Weening  at  last  to  win  advantage  new  ; 
Yet  still  her  cruelty  increased  more, 

And,  though  pow'r  failed,  her  courage  did  accrue4; 

Which  failing,  he  gan  fiercely  her  pursue  : 

Like  as  a  smith  that  to  his  cunning  feat 

The  stubborn  metal  seeketh  to  subdue, 

Soon  as  he  feels  it  mollified  with  heat, 

With  his  great  iron  sledge  doth  strongly  on  it  beat. 

8  So  did  Sir  Artegall  upon  her  lay, 
As  if  she  had  an  iron  andvile  5  been, 

1  Dangerous  doubt,  i.e.  doubtful  8  Foined,  thrust, 
contest.  4  Accrue,  increase. 

2  Field,  battle.  6  Andvile,  anvil. 


228  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

That  flakes  of  fire,  bright  as  the  sunny  ray, 
Out  of  her  steely  arms  were  flashing  seen, 
That  all  on  fire  ye  would  her  surely  ween  : 
But  with  her  shield  so  well  herself  she  warded 
From  the  dread  danger  of  his  weapon  keen, 
That  all  that  while  her  life  she  safely  guarded  ; 
But  he  that  help  from  her  against  her  will  discarded  : 

9  For  with  his  trenchant  blade  at  the  next  blow 
Half  of  her  shield  he  shared  l  quite  away, 
That  half  her  side  itself  did  naked  show, 
And  thenceforth  unto  danger  opened  way. 
Much  was  she  moved  with  the  mighty  sway 
Of  that  sad2  stroke,  that  half  enraged  she  grew  ; 
And  like  a  greedy  bear  unto  her  prey 
With  her  sharp  scimitar  at  him  she  flew, 
That   glancing  down   his  thigh  the   purple   blood 
forth  drew. 

10  Thereat  she  gan  to  triumph  with  great  boast, 
And  to  upbraid  that  chance  which  him  misfell, 
As  if  the  prize  she  gotten  had  almost, 

With  spiteful  speeches,  fitting  with  her  well  ; 

That  his  great  heart  gan  inwardly  to  swell 

With  indignation  at  her  vaunting  vain, 

And  at  her  strook  with  puissance  fearful  fell 3 ; 

Yet  with  her  shield  she  warded  it  again, 

That  shattered  all  to  pieces  round  about  the  plain. 

1 1  Having  her  thus  disarmed  of  her  shield, 
Upon  her  helmet  he  again  her  strook, 

1  Shared,  cut.  2  Sad,  heavy.  3  Fell,  fierce. 


BKITOMART.  229 

That  down  she  fell  upon  the  grassy  field 
In  senseless  swoon,  as  if  her  life  forsook, 
And  pangs  of  death  her  spirit  overtook  : 
Whom  when  he  saw  before -his  foot  prostrated, 
He  to  her  leapt  with  deadly  dreadful  look, 
And  her  sun-shiny  helmet  soon  unlaced, 
Thinking  at  once  both  head  and  helmet  to  have 
raced.1 

1 2  But,  whenas  he  discovered  had  her  face, 
He  saw,  his  senses'  strange  astonishment, 
A  miracle  of  nature's  goodly  grace 

In  her  fair  visage  void  of  ornament, 
But  bathed  in  blood  and  sweat  together  ment 2 ; 
Which,  in  the  rudeness  of  that  evil  plight, 
Bewrayed  3  the  signs  of  feature  excellent  : 
Like  as  the  moon,  in  foggy  winter's  night, 
Doth  seem  to  be  herself,  though  dark'ned  be  her 
light. 

13  At  sight  thereof  his  cruel  minded  heart 
Empierced  was  with  pitiful  regard, 

That  his  sharp  sword  he  threw  from  him  apart, 

Cursing  his  hand  that  had  that  visage  marred  : 

No  hand  so  cruel,  nor  no  heart  so  hard, 

But  ruth  4  of  beauty  will  it  mollify. 

By  this,  upstarting  from  her  swoon  she  star'd 

A  while  about  her  with  confused  eye  ; 

Like  one  that  from  his  dream  is  waked  suddenly. 

1  Raced,  razed,  cut  off.  8  Bewrayed,  revealed. 

2  Ment,  mingled.  4  Ruth,  pity. 


230  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

14  Soon  as  the  knight  she  there  by  her  did  spy 
Standing  with  empty  hands  all  weaponless, 
With  fresh  assault  upon  him  she  did  fly, 
And  gan  renew  her  former  cruelness  : 
And  though  he  still  retired,  yet  natheless 
With  huge  redoubled  strokes  she  on  him  laid  ; 
And  more  increased  her  outrage  merciless, 
The  more  that  he  with  meek  entreaty  prayed 

Her  wrathful  hand  from  greedy  vengeance  to  have 
stayed. 

1 5  Nought  could  he  do  but  shun  the  dread  despite 
Of  her  fierce  wrath,  and  backward  still  retire  ; 
And  with  his  single  shield,1  well  as  he  might, 
Bear  off  the  burden  of  her  raging  ire  ; 

And  evermore  he  gently  did  desire 

To  stay  her  strokes,  and  he  himself  would  yield  ; 

Yet  nould  she  heark,2  ne  let  him  once  respire, 

Till  he  to  her  delivered  had  his  shield, 

And  to  her  mercy  him  submitted  in  plain  3  field. 

1 6  So  was  he  overcome  ;  not  overcome, 
But  to  her  yielded  of  his  own  accord  ; 
Yet  was  he  justly  damned4  by  the  doom6 

Of  his  own  mouth,  that  spake  so  wareless  6  word, 
To  be  her  thrall  and  service  her  afford  : 
For  though  that  he  first  victory  obtained, 
Yet  after,  by  abandoning  his  sword, 

1  His   single   shield,  his   shield  8  Plain,  open. 

alone.  4  Damned,  condemned. 

2  Yet  nould  she  heark,  yet  she  5  Doom,  judgment, 
would  not  hearken.  6  Wareless,  unwary. 


BRITOMART.  231 

He  wilful  lost  that  he  before  attained  : 
No  fairer  conquest  then  that l  with   good  will    is 
gained. 

17  Tho  with  her  sword  on  him  she  flatling  strook, 
In  sign  of  true  subjection  to  her  pow'r, 

And  as  her  vassal  him  to  thraldom  took  : 
But  Terpin,  born  to  'a  more  unhappy  hour, 
As  he  on  whom  the  luckless  stars  did  lower,2 
She  caused  to  be  attached  and  forthwith  led 
Unto  the  crook,3  t'  abide  the  baleful  stowre  4 
From  which  he  lately  had  through  rescue  fled  : 
Where  he  full  shamefully  was  hanged  by  the  head. 

1 8  But,  when  they  thought  on  Talus  hands  to  lay, 
He  with  his  iron  flail  amonst  them  thondred, 
That  they  were  fain  to  let  him  scape  away, 
Glad  from  his  company  to  be  so  sondred  ; 
Whose  presence  all  their  troops  so  much  encombred, 
That  th'  heaps  of  those  which  he  did  wound  and 

slay, 

Besides  the  rest  dismayed,5  might  not  be  nombred  : 
Yet  all  that  while  he  would  not  once  assay 
To  rescue  his  own  lord,  but  thought  it  just  t'  obey. 

19  Then  took  the  amazon  this  noble  knight, 
Left  to  her  will  by  his  own  wilful  blame, 

1  Then  that,  i.e.  than  that  which.       widespread  in  and  before  Spenser's 

2  As   he  on   whom,  etc.      The       time. 

belief  in  astrology  —  in  the  influ-  3  Crook  (crux),  gibbet. 

ence  of  the  heavenly  bodies  upon  *  Baleful  stowre,  i.e.  sad  fate. 

the  individual   human   life  —  was  6  Dismayed,  here,  disabled. 


232  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  caused  him  to  be  disarmed  quite 
Of  all  the  ornaments  of  knightly  name, 
With  which  whilom  he  gotten  had  great  fame  : 
Instead  whereof  she  made  him  to  be  dight 1 
In  woman's  weeds,  that  is  to  manhood  shame, 
And  put  before  his  lap  a  napron  2  white, 
Instead  of  curiets  3  and  bases  4  fit  for  fight. 

20  So  being  clad,  she  brought  him  from  the  field, 
In  which  he  had  been  trained  many  a  day, 
Into  a  long  large  chamber,  which  was  ceiled 
With  moniments5  of  many  knights'  decay6 
By  her  subdued  in  victorious  fray  : 

Amongst  the  which  she  caused  his  warlike  arms 
Be  hanged  on  high,  that  mote  his  shame  bewray 7 ; 
And  broke  his  sword  for  fear  of  further  harms, 
With  which  he  wont  to  stir  up  battailous 8  alarms. 

21  There  ent'red  in,  he  round  about  him  saw 

Many  brave  knights   whose  names  right  well  he 

knew, 

There  bound  t'  obey  that  amazon's  proud  law, 
Spinning  and  carding  all  in  comely  rew,9 
That  his  big  heart  loathed  so  uncomely  view  : 
But  they  were  forced  through  penury 10  and  pine,u 

1  Dight,  arrayed.  6  Decay,  destruction. 

2  Napron,  apron.  7  Bewray,  reveal. 

8  Curiets,  cuirasses.  8  Battailous,  warlike. 

4  Bases,  a  kind   of    petticoats  9  Ke-w,  row. 

worn  by  knights  on  horseback.  10  Penury,  i.e.  want  of  food. 

5  Moniments,    monuments,    re-  u  Pine,  torment,  woe. 
minders  of  some  kind. 


BRITOMART.  233 

To  do  those  works  to  them  appointed  due  : 
For  nought  was  given  them  to  sup  or  dine, 
But  what  their  hands  could  earn  by  twisting  linen 
twine. 

22  Amongst  them  all  she  placed  him  most  low, 
And  in  his  hand  a  distaff  to  him  gave, 

That  he  thereon  should  spin  both  flax  and  tow  ; 
A  sordid  office  for  a  mind  so  brave  : 
So  hard  it  is  to  be  a  woman's  slave  ! 
Yet  he  it  took  in  his  own  self's  despite,1 
And  thereto  did  himself  right  well  behave2 
Her  to  obey,  sith  he  his  faith  had  plight 
Her  vassal  to  become,  if  she  him  won  in  fight. 

23  Who  had  seen  him,  imagine  mote  thereby 
That  whilom  3  hath  of  Hercules  been  told, 
How  for  Tola's  sake 4  he  did  apply 

His  mighty  hands  the  distaff  vile  to  hold 
For  6  his  huge  club,  which  had  subdued  of  old 
So  many  monsters  which  the  world  annoyed  ; 
His  lion's  skin  changed  to  a  pall6  of  gold, 
In  which,  forgetting  wars,  he  only  joyed 
In  combats  of  sweet  love,  and  with  his  mistress 
toyed. 

1  In  his  own  self's  despite,  i.e.  beloved  of  Hercules.     In  order  to 
in  defiance  or  contempt  of  his  own  win    lole,    Hercules    served    Om- 
inclination.  phale,  queen  of  Lydia ;  and  while 

2  Behave,  apply.  serving  her  he  dressed  as  a  woman 

3  Whilom,  formerly.  and  did  a  woman's  work. 

4  lola'ssake.    lole,  the  daughter  5  For,  in  place  of. 
of  Eurytus,  king  of  CEchalia,  was  6  Pall,  mantle. 


234  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

24  Such  is  the  cruelty  of  womenkind, 

When  they  have  shaken  off  the  shamefast 1  band, 

With  which  wise  nature  did  them  strongly  bind 

T'  obey  the  hests  2  of  man's  well-ruling  hand, 

That  then  all  rule  and  reason  they  withstand 

To  purchase  a  licentious  liberty  : 

But  virtuous  women  wisely  understand, 

That  they  were  born  to  base  humility,3 

Unless  the  heavens  them  lift  to  lawful  sovereignty.4 

25  Thus  there  long  while  continued  Artegall, 
Serving  proud  Radigund  with  true  subjection  : 
However  it  his  noble  heart  did  gall 

T'  obey  a  woman's  tyrrannous  direction, 
That  might  have  had  of  life  or  death  election  : 
But,  having  chosen,  now  he  might  not  change. 


To  add  to  Artegall's  discomfort,  his  mistress  conceived  a  liking  for 
her  noble  captive  and  used  every  means  at  her  command  to  gain  his 
affection.  Her  maid  Clarinda  also  persecuted  him  with  her  attentions. 
However,  steadfast  in  his  love  for  Britomart,  the  knight  withstood  both 
threats  and  entreaties,  and  endured  in  stubborn  patience  his  hard  lot. 

1  Shamefast,  modest.  *  Unless  the  heavens  them,  etc. 

2  Hests,  commands.  Spenser  wisely  makes  an  exception 

3  Base   humility,    humble  sub-       in  favor  of  female  sovereigns, 
ordination. 


XVI. 

Informed  by  Talus,  Artegall's  servant,  of  his  master's  sad  plight, 
Britomart  sets  out  to  deliver  her  lover.  The  treachery  of  Dolon  and 
Britomart's  combat  with  his  sons. 

1  SOME  men,  I  wote,  will  deem  in  Artegall 
Great  weakness,  and  report  of  him  much  ill, 
For  yielding  so  himself  a  wretched  thrall 
To  th'  insolent  command  of  women's  will  ; 
That  all  his  former  praise  doth  foully  spill 1 : 
But  he,  the  man  that  say  or  do  so  dare, 

Be  well  advised  that  he  stand  steadfast  still ; 

For  never  yet  was  wight  so  well  aware, 

But  he  at  first  or  last  was  trapped  in  women's  snare. 

2  Yet  in  the  straitness  2  of  that  captive  state 
This  gentle3  knight  himself  so  well  behaved, 
That  notwithstanding  all  the  subtile  4  bait, 
With  which  those  amazons  his  love  still  craved, 
To  his  own  love  his  loyalty  he  saved  : 
Whose  character5  in  th'  adamantine  mould6 
Of  his  true  heart  so  firmly  was  engraved, 
That  no  new  love's  impression  ever  could 
Bereave  it 7  thence  :  such  blot  his  honour  blemish 

should. 

1  Spill,  spoil.  8  Character,  image. 

2  Straitness,  n  a  r  r  o  w  n  e  s  s,  re-  6  Th1   adamantine    mould,    the 
straint.                                                     adamantine    (or   extremely   hard) 

8  Gentle,  high-born,  noble.  substance. 

*  Subtile,  sly,  artful.  7  Bereave  it,  take  it  away  from. 


236  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

3  Yet  his  own  love,  the  noble  Britomart, 
Scarce  so  conceived  in  her  jealous  thought, 
What  time  sad  tidings  of  his  baleful  smart 
In  woman's  bondage  Talus  to  her  brought  ; 
Brought  in  untimely  hour,  ere  it  was  sought  : 
For,  after  that  the  utmost  date  assigned 

For  his  return  she  waited  had  for  nought, 

She  gan  to  cast l  in  her  misdoubtful 2  mind 

A  thousand  fears,  that  love-sick  fancies  fain 3  to  find. 

4  Sometime  she  feared  lest  some  hard  mishap 
Had  him  misfall'n  in  his  adventurous  quest  ; 
Sometime  lest  his  false  foe  did  him  entrap 

In  traitrous  traine,4  or  had  unawares  opprest  ; 

But  most  she  did  her  troubled  mind  molest, 

And  secretly  afflict  with  jealous  fear, 

Lest  some  new  love  had  him  from  her  possessed  ; 

Yet  loath  she  was,  since  she  no  ill  did  hear, 

To  think  of  him  so  ill  ;  yet  could  she  not  forbear. 

5  One  while  she  blamed  herself  ;  another  while 
She  him  condemned  as  trustless  and  untrue  : 
And  then,  her  grief  with  error  to  beguile, 
She  fained,to  count  the  time  again  anew, 

As  if  before  she  had  not  counted  true  : 
For  hours,  but  days  ;  for  weeks  that  passed  were, 
She  told  but  months,  to  make  them  seem  more  few  : 
Yet,  when  she  reck'ned  them  still  drawing  near, 
Each  hour  did  seem  a  month,  and  every  month  a  year. 

1  Cast,  plan.  8  fain,  pretend. 

2  Misdoubtful,  apprehensive.  4  Traine,  snare. 


BRITOMART.  237 

6  But,  when  as  yet  she  saw  him  not  return, 

She  thought  to  send  some  one  to  seek  him  out  ; 
But  none  she  found  so  fit  to  serve  that  turn 
As  her  own  self,  to  ease  herself  of  doubt. 
Now  she  devised,  amongst  the  warlike  rout 
Of  errant  knights,  to  seek  her  errant  knight ; 
And  then  again  resolved  to  hunt  him  out 
Amongst  loose  ladies  lapped  in  delight  : 
And  then  both  knights  envied,1  and  ladies  eke  did 
spite. 

7  One  day  whenas  she  long  had  sought  for  ease 
In  every  place,  and  every  place  thought  best, 
Yet  found  no  place  that  could  her  liking  please, 
She  to  a  window  came,  that  opened  west, 
Towards  which  coast  her  love  his  way  addressed 
There  looking  forth  she  in  her  heart  did  find 
Many  vain  fancies  working  her  unrest  ; 

And  sent  her  winged  thoughts  more  swift  than  wind 
To  bear  unto  her  love  the  message  of  her  mind. 

8  There  as  she  looked  long,  at  last  she  spied 
One  coming  towards  her  with  hasty  speed  ; 

Well  weened  she  then,  ere  him  she  plain  descried, 
That  it  was  one  sent  from  her  love  indeed  : 
Who  when  he  nigh  approached,  she  mote  aread  2 
That  it  was  Talus,  Artegall  his  groom  3 : 
Whereat  her  heart  was  filled  with  hope  and  dread  ; 

1  Envied,  felt  a  grudge  against,  8  Artegall  his  groom,  i.e.  Arte- 
hated.                                                         gall's  servant. 

2  Mote  aread,  could  perceive. 


238  THE  FAERY  QUEEN E. 

Ne  would  she  stay  till  he  in  place  could  come, 
But  ran  to  meet  him  forth  to  know  his  tidings'  sum. 

9 .  Even  in  the  door  him  meeting,  she  begun  : 
"  And  where  is  he  thy  lord,  and  how  far  hence  ? 
Declare  at  once  :  and  hath  he  lost  or  won  ?  " 
The  iron  man,  albe  he  wanted  sense 
And  sorrow's  feeling,  yet,  with  conscience l 
Of  his  ill  news,  did  inly  chill  and  quake, 
And  stood  still  mute,  as  one  in  great  suspense  ; 
As  if  that  by  his  silence  he  would  make 
Her  rather  read  his  meaning  then  himself  it  spake.2 

10  Till  she  again  thus  said  :  "Talus,  be  bold, 
And  tell  whatever  it  be,  good  or  bad, 

That  from  thy  tongue  thy  heart's  intent  doth  hold." 
To  whom  he  thus  at  length  :  "  The  tidings  sad, 
That  I  would  hide,  will  needs,  I  see,  be  rad.3 
My  lord,  your  love,  by  hard  mishap  doth  lie 
In  wretched  bondage,  wofully  bestad."4 
•  "  Ay  me,"  quoth  she,  "  what  wicked  destiny  ! 
And  is  he  vanquished  by  his  tyrant  enemy  ? " 

1 1  "  Not  by  that  tyrant,  his  intended  foe5; 
But  by  a  tyranness,"  he  then  replied, 

"  That  him  captived  hath  in  hapless  woe." 

"  Cease,  thou  bad  news-man  ;  badly  dost  thou  hide 

Thy  master's  shame,  ..... 


1  Conscience,  consciousness.  4  Bestad,  bestead,  beset. 

2  Then   himself  it   spake,  than  5  His  intended  foe,  i.e.  Grantorto 
himself  disclose  it.  from  whose  power  he  was  to  re- 

8  Rad,  uttered.  lease  Irena. 


BRITOMART.  239 

With  that  in  rage  she  turned  from  him  aside, 
Forcing  in  vain  the  rest  to  her  to  tell ; 
And  to  her  chamber  went  like  solitary  cell. 

12  There  she  began  to  make  her  moanful  plaint 
Against  her  knight  for  being  so  untrue  ; 

And  him  to  touch  with  falsehood's  foul  attaint, 
That  all  his  other  honour  overthrew. 
Oft  did  she  blame  herself,  and  often  rue,1 
For  yielding  to  a  stranger's  love  so  light, 
Whose  life  and  manners  strange  she  never  knew; 
And  evermore  she  did  him  sharply  twight2 
For  breach  of  faith  to  her,  which  he  had  firmly 
plight. 

1 3  And  then  she  in  her  wrathful  will  did  cast 
How  to  revenge  that  blot  of  honour  blent,3 
To  fight  with  him,  and  goodly  die  her  last : 
And  then  again  she  did  herself  torment, 
Inflicting  on  herself  his  punishment. 

Awhile  she  walked,  and  chauf t 4  ;  awhile  she  threw 
Herself  upon  her  bed  and  did  lament  : 
Yet  did  she  not  lament  with  loud  alew,  5 
As  women  wont,  but  with  deep  sighs  and  singulfs  6 
few. 

14  Like  as  a  wayward  child,  whose  sounder  sleep 
Is  broken  with  some  fearful  dream's  affright, 
With  froward 7  will  doth  set  himself  to  weep, 

1  Rue,  grieve,  repent.  *  Chauft,  chafed. 

2  Twight,  twit,  reproach.  5  Alew,  halloo,  outcry. 

8  Blent,  stained.  °  Singulfs,  singults,  sobs. 

7  Froward,  perverse. 


240  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Ne  can  be  stilled  for  all  his  nurse's  might, 
But  kicks,  and  squalls,  and  shrieks  for  fell  despite 1 ; 
Now  scratching  her,  and  her  loose  locks  misusing, 
Now  seeking  darkness,  and  now  seeking  light, 

Such  was  this  lady's  fit 2  in  her  love's  fond  3  accus- 
ing. 

1 5  But  when  she  had  with  such  unquiet  fits 
Herself  there  close 4  afflicted  long  in  vain, 
Yet  found  no  easement  in  her  troubled  wits, 
She  unto  Talus  forth  returned  again, 

By  change  of  place  seeking  to  ease  her  pain  ; 
And  gan  enquire  of  him  with  milder  mood 
The  certain  cause  of  Artegall's  detain,5 
And  what  he  did,  and  in  what  state  he  stood, 
And    whether  he    did   woo,  or    whether  he  were 
wooed. 

1 6  "Ah  wellaway  !  "  said  then  the  iron  man, 
"  That  he  is  not  the  while  in  state  to  woo ; 
But  lies  in  wretched  thraldom,  weak  and  wan, 
Not  by  strong  hand  compelled  thereunto, 
But  his  own  doom  G  that  none  can  now  undo." 
"Said  I  not  then,"  quoth  she,  "ere-while  aright, 
That  this  is  thing  compact  betwixt  you  two, 
Me  to  deceive  of  faith  unto  me  plight, 

Since   that  he   was    not   forced,  nor  overcome  in 
fight  ? " 

1  Fell  despite,  fierce  vexation.  *  Close,  secretly. 

2  Fit,  state  of  mind,  mood.  5  Detain,  detention. 

3  Fond,  foolish.  G  Doom,  judgment. 


BRITOMART.  241 

17  With  that  he  gan  at  large  to  her  dilate 
The  whole  discourse  of  his  captivance  sad, 
In  sort  as  ye  have  heard  the  same  of  late  : 
All  which  when  she  with  hard  endurance  had 
Heard  to  the  end,  she  was  right  sore  bestad, 
With  sudden  stounds  l  of  wrath  and  grief  attone  2 ; 
Ne  would  abide,  till  she  had  answer  made  ; 

But  straight  herself  did  dight,3  and  armour  don, 
And  mounting  to  her  steed  bade  Talus  guide 
her  on. 

1 8  So  forth  she  rode  upon  her  ready  way, 

To  seek  her  knight,  as  Talus  her  did  guide  : 
Sadly  she  rode,  and  never  word  did  say 
Nor  good  nor  bad,  ne  ever  looked  aside, 
But  still  right  down  ;  and  in  her  thought  did  hide 
The  fellness 4  of  her  heart,  right  fully  bent 
To  fierce  avengement  of  that  woman's  pride, 
Which  had  her  lord  in  her  base  prison  pent, 
And  so  great  honour  with   so  foul  reproach  had 
blent.5 

19  So  as  she  thus  melancholic  did  ride, 
Chawing  the  cud  of  grief  and  inward  pain, 
She  chanced  to  meet  toward  the  eventide 
A  knight,  that  softly  pac6d  on  the  plain, 
As  if  himself  to  solace  he  were  fain  ; 

Well  shot6  in  years  he  seemed,  and  rather  bent 
To  peace  then  needless  trouble  to  constrain ; 

1  Stoitnds,  paroxysms.  4  Fellness,  fierceness,  anger. 

2  Attone,  at  once.  5  Blent,  stained. 

3  Dight,  prepare.  6  Shot,  shot  up,  grown  up. 


242  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

As  well  by  view  of  that  his  vestiment, 

As  by  his  modest  semblant,  that  no  evil  meant. 

20  He  coming  near  gan  gently  her  salute 

With  courteous  words,  in  the  most  comely  wise ; 
Who  though  desirous  rather  to  rest  mute, 
Then  terms  to  entertain  of  common  guise, 
Yet  rather  then  she  kindness  would  despise, 
She  would  herself  displease,  so  him  requite. 
Then  gan  the  other  further  to  devise 
Of  things  abroad,  as  next  to  hand  did  light, 
And  many  things  demand,  to  which  she  answered 
light: 

2 1  For  little  lust l  had  she  to  talk  of  ought, 
Or  ought  to  hear  that  mote  delightful  be  ; 
Her  mind  was  whole  possessed  of  one  thought, 
That  gave  none  other  place.     Which  when  as  he 
By  outward  signs  (as  well  he  might)  did  see, 

He  list  no  lenger  to  use  loathful  speech, 
But  her  besought  to  take  it  well  in  gree,2 
Sith  shady  damp  had  dimmed  the  heaven's  reach,3 
To  lodge  with   him  that  night,  unless  good  cause 
empeach.4 

22  The  championess,  now  seeing  night  at  door, 
Was  glad  to  yield  unto  his  good  request  ; 
And  with  him  went  without  gainsaying  more. 
Not  far  away,  but  little  wide  6  by  west, 

1  Lust,  inclination.  8  Reach,  extent. 

2  In  gree,  in  liking.  .          4  Empeach,  prevent. 

5  Wide,  aside. 


BRITOMART.  243 

His  dwelling  was,  to  which  he  him  addressed ; 
Where  soon  arriving,  they  received  were 
In  seemly  wise,  as  them  beseemed  best ; 
For  he  their  host  them  goodly  well  did  cheer, 
And  talked  of  pleasant  things  the  night  away  to 
wear. 

23  Thus  passing  th'  evening  well,  till  time  of  rest, 
Then  Britomart  unto  a  bow'r 1  was  brought ; 
Where  grooms  awaited  her  to  have  undressed  : 
But  she  ne  would  undressed  be  for  ought, 

Ne  doff  her  arms,  though  he  her  much  besought : 
For  she  had  vowed,  she  said,  not  to  forego 
Those  warlike  weeds,2  till  she  revenge  had  wrought 
Of  a  late  wrong  upon  a  mortal  foe ; 
Which  she  would  sure  perform,  betide  her  weal  or 
woe. 

24  Which  when  their  host  perceived,  right  discontent 
In  mind  he  grew,  for  fear  lest  by  that  art 3 

He  should  his  purpose  miss,  which  close  he  meant4 : 
Yet,  taking  leave  of  her,  he  did  depart : 
There  all  that  night  remained  Britomart, 
Restless,  recomfortless,  with  heart  deep-grieved, 
Not  suffering  the  least  twinkling  sleep  to  start 
Into  her  eye,  which  th'  heart  mote  have  relieved  ; 
But  if  the  least  appeared,   her  eyes   she  straight 
reprieved.6 

1  Bower,  chamber.  *  Close    he   meant,   secretly   he 

2  Weeds,  garments.  proposed. 

3  Art,  way,  means.  5  Reprieved,  reproved. 


244  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

25  "Ye  guilty  eyes,"  said  she,  "the  which  with  guile 
My  heart  at  first  betrayed,  will  ye  betray 

My  life  now  too,  for  which  a  little  while 
Ye  will  not  watch?  False  watches,  wellaway  ! 
I  wote 1  when  ye  did  watch  both  night  and  day 
Unto  your  loss ;  and  now  needs  will  ye  sleep? 
Now  ye  have  made  my  heart  to  wake  alway, 
Now  will  ye  sleep  ?  ah  !  wake,  and  rather  weep 
To    think  of  your   night's 2  want,  that  should  ye 
waking  keep." 

26  Thus  did  she  watch,  and  wear  the  weary  night 
In  wailful  plaints,  that  none  was  to  appease  ; 
Now  walking  soft,  now  sitting  still  upright, 
As  sundry  change  her  seemed  best  to  ease. 
Ne  less  did  Talus  suffer  sleep  to  seize 

His  eyelids  sad,3  but  watched  continually, 
Lying  without  her  door  in  great  disease 4 ; 
Like  to  a  spaniel  waiting  carefully 
Lest  any  should  betray  his  lady  treacherously. 

27  What  time  the  native  bellman  of  the  night, 
The  bird  that  warned  Peter  of  his  fall, 

First  rings  his  silver  bell  t'  each  sleepy  wight, 
That  should  their  minds  up  to  devotion  call, 
She  heard  a  wondrous  noise  below  the  hall : 
All  suddenly  the  bed,  where  she  should  lie, 
By  a  false  trap  was  let  adown  to  fall 

1  I  ivote,  I  know.  8  Sad,  heavy. 

2  Night 's,  should    perhaps    be  *  Disease,  uneasiness, 
knight's. 


BRITOMART.  245 

Into  a  lower  room,  and  by  and  by 
The  loft l  was  raised  again,  that 2  no  man  could  it 
spy. 

28  With  sight  whereof  she  was  dismayed  right  sore, 
Perceiving  well  the  treason  which  was  meant : 
Yet  stirred  not  at  all  for  doubt 3  of  more, 

But  kept  her  place  with  courage  confident, 
Waiting  what  would  ensue  of  that  event. 
It  was  not  long  before  she  heard  the  sound 
Of  armed  men  coming  with  close  intent 
Towards  her  chamber  ;  at  which  dreadful  stound 4 
She  quickly  caught  her  sword,  and  shield  about  her 
bound. 

29  With  that  there  came  unto  her  chamber  door 
Two  knights  all  armed  ready  for  to  fight ; 
And  after  them  full  many  other  more, 

A  rascal  rout,6  with  weapons  rudely  dight 6 : 
Whom  soon  as  Talus  spied  by  glims 7  of  night, 
He  started  up,  there  where  on  ground  he  lay, 
And  in  his  hand  his  thresher  ready  keight 8 : 
They,  seeing  that,  let  drive  at  him  straightway, 
And  round  about  him  press  in  riotous  array. 

30  But,  soon  as  he  began  to  lay  about 
With  his  rude  iron  flail,  they  gan  to  fly, 
Both  armed  knights  and  eke  unarmed  rout  : 

1  Loft,  flooring.  6  Rascal  rout,  base  multitude. 

2  That,  so  that.  6  Dight,  furnished,  armed. 
8  Doubt,  fear,  dread.  7  Glims,  gleams. 

4  Stound,  exigency.  8  Keight,  caught. 


246  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

Yet  Talus  after  them  apace  did  ply, 

Wherever  in  the  dark  he  could  them  spy ; 

That  here  and  there  like  scatt'red  sheep  they  lay. 

Then,  back  returning  where  his  dame  did  lie, 

He  to  her  told  the  story  of  that  fray, 

And  all  that  treason  there  intended  did  bewray.1 

3 1  Wherewith  though  wondrous  wroth,  and  inly  burn- 

ing 

To  be  avenged  for  so  foul  a  deed, 
Yet,  being  forced  to  abide  the  day's  returning, 
She  there  remained ;  but  with  right  wary  heed, 
Lest  any  more  such  practice2  should  proceed. 
Now  mote  ye  know  (that  which  to  Britomart 
Unknowen  was)  whence  all  this  did  proceed ; 
And  for  what  cause  so  great  mischievous  smart 
Was  meant  to  her  that  never  evil  meant  in  heart. 

32  The  goodman  of  this  house  was  Dolon3  hight ; 
A  man  of  subtile4  wit  and  wicked  mind, 
That  whilom  6  in  his  youth  had  been  a  knight, 
And  arms  had  borne,  but  little  good  could  find, 
And  much  less  honour  by  that  warlike  kind 
Of  life  :  for  he  was  nothing  valorous, 

But  with  sly  shifts  and  wiles  did  6  undermined 

All  noble  knights  which  were  adventurous, 

And  many  brought  to  shame  by  treason  treacherous. 

1  Bewray,  reveal.  6  Whilom,  formerly. 

2  Practice,  plot.  6  Did,  probably  a  misprint  for 

3  Dolon,  goodman,  master.  had. 

4  Subtile,  subtle. 


BRITOMART.  247 

33  He  had  three  sons,  all  three  like  father's  sons, 
Like  treacherous,  like  full  of  fraud  and  guile, 
Of  all  that  on  this  earthly  compass  wonnes1 : 
The  eldest  of  the  which  was  slain  erewhile 
By  Artegall,  through  his  own  guilty  wile  ; 
His  name  was  Guizor ;  whose  untimely  fate 
For  to  avenge,  full  many  treasons  vile 

His  father  Dolon  had  devised  of  late 
With    these    his   wicked    sons,   and   showed   his 
cank'red  hate. 

34  For  sure  he  weened  that  this  his  present  guest 
Was  Artegall,  by  many  tokens  plain ; 

But  chiefly  by  that  iron  page  he  guessed 
Which  still  was  wont  with  Artegall  remain  ; 
And  therefore  meant  him  surely  to  have  slain  : 
But  by  God's  grace  and  her  good  heediness, 
She  was  preserved  from  their  traitrous  traine.2 
Thus  she  all  night  wore  out  in  watchfulness, 
Ne  suff'red  slothful  sleep  her  eyelids  to  oppress. 

35  The  morrow  next,  so  soon  as  dawning  hour 
Discovered  had  the  light  to  living  eye, 
She  forth  issued  out  of  her  loathed  bow'r,3 
With  full  intent  t'  avenge  that  villany 

On  that  vilde4  man  and  all  his  family  : 

And,    coming   down    to    seek    them    where    they 

wonned, 
Nor  sire,  nor  sons,  nor  any  could  she  spy ; 

1  Wonnes,  dwells.  8  Bower,  chamber. 

2  Traine,  artifice,  snare.  *  Vilde,  vile. 


248  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Each  room  she  sought,  but  them  all  empty  fond  : 
They  all  were  fled  for  fear;   but  whether,  nether 
kond.1 

36  She  saw  it  vain  to  make  there  lenger  stay, 

But  took  her  steed  ;  and  thereon  mounting  light, 
Gan  her  address  unto  her  former  way. 
She  had  not  rid  the  mountenance  of  a  flight,2 
But  that  she  saw  there  present  in  her  sight 
Those  two  false  brethren  on  that  perilous  bridge, 
On  which  Pollente  with  Artegall  did  fight. 
Strait 3  was  the  passage,  like  a  ploughed  ridge. 
That,  if  two  met,  the  one  mote  needs  fall  over  the 
lidge.4 

37  There  they  did  think  themselves  on  her  to  wreak5; 
Who  as  she  nigh  unto  them  drew,  the  one 

These  vile  reproaches  gan  unto  her  speak  : 
"  Thou  recreant  false  traitor,  that  with  loan 
Of  arms  hast  knighthood  stol'n,  yet  knight  art  none, 
No  more  shall  now  the  darkness  of  the  night 
Defend  thee  from  the  vengeance  of  thy  f one  6  : 
But  with  thy  blood  thou  shalt  appease  the  sprite7 
Of    Guizor,  by   thee    slain   and    murd'red    by  thy 
sleight."  8 

38  Strange  were  the  words  in  Britomartis  ear ; 
Yet  stayed  she  not  for  them,  but  forward  fared,9 

1  Nether  kond,  neither  knew.  8  Wreak,  revenge. 

2  The  mountenance  of  a  flight,  6  Fone,  foes. 
i.e.  a  bow-shot.  7  Sprite,  spirit. 

8  Strait,  narrow.  8  Sleight,  artful  trick. 

*  Lidge,  ledge.  9  Fared,  proceeded. 


BRITOMART.  249 

Till  to  the  perilous  bridge  she  came  ;  and  there 
Talus  desired  that  he  might  have  prepared 
The  way  to  her,  and  those  two  losels J  scared  : 
But  she  thereat  was  wroth,,  that  for  despite  2 
The  glancing  sparkles  through  her  beaver  glared, 
And  from  her  eyes  did  flash  out  fiery  light, 
Like   coals    that    through  a  silver  censer   sparkle 
bright. 

39  She  stayed  not  to  advise  which  way  to  take ; 
But,  putting  spurs  unto  her  fiery  beast, 
Thorough  the  midst  of  them  she  way  did  make. 
The  one  of  them,  which  most  her  wrath  increased, 
Upon  her  spear  she  bore  before  her  breast, 

Till  to  the  bridge's  further  end  she  passed  ; 
Where  falling  down  his  challenge  he  released  3 : 
The  other  over  side  the  bridge  she  cast 
Into  the  river,  where  he  drunk  his  deadly  last. 

40  As  when  the  flashing  levin  4  haps  to  light 
Upon  two  stubborn  oaks,  which  stand  so  near 
That  way  betwixt  them  none  appears  in  sight ; 
The  engine,  fiercely  flying  forth,  doth  tear 

Th'  one  from  the  earth,  and  through  the  air  doth 

bear; 

The  other  it  with  force  doth  overthrow 
Upon  one  side,  and 'from  his  roots  doth  rear  : 
So  did  the  championess  these  two  there  strow, 
And  to  their  sire  their  carcasses  left  to  bestow. 

1  Losels,  good-for-nothings.  3  His  challenge  he  released,  i.e. 

2  Despite,  vexation.  he  withdrew  his  accusation. 

4  Levin,  lightning. 


XVII. 

After  visiting  the  temple  of  /sis,  Britomart  slays  Radigund  and  frees 
her  lover. 

1  NOUGHT  is  on  earth  more  sacred  or  divine, 
That  gods  and  men  do  equally  adore, 

Then  this  same  virtue  that  doth  right  define  : 

For  th'  heavens   themselves,  whence   mortal   men 

implore 

Right  in  their  wrongs,  are  ruled  by  righteous  lore 
Of  highest  Jove,  who  doth  true  justice  deal 
To  his  inferior  gods,  and  evermore 
Therewith  contains 1  his  heavenly  common-weal  : 
The  skill  whereof  to  princes'  hearts  he  doth  reveal. 

2  Well  therefore  did  the  antique  world  invent 
That  Justice  was  a  god  of  sovereign  grace, 
And  altars  unto  him  and  temples  lent,2 
And  heavenly  honours  in  the  highest  place ; 
Calling  him  great  Osiris,3  of  the  race 

Of  th'  old  ^Egyptian  kings  that  whilom  were ; 
With  feigned  colors  shading4  a  true  case ; 
For  that  Osiris,  whilst  he  lived  here, 
The  justest  man  alive  and  truest  did  appear. 

1  Contains,  restrains,  governs.          divinities  of  Egypt  ;  the  husband 

2  Lent,  furnished.  and  brother  of  Isis. 

3  Osiris,  one    of   the   principal  *  Shading,  shadowing  forth. 


BRITOMART.  251 

3  His  wife  was  Isis ;  whom  they  likewise  made 
A  goddess  of  great  pow'r  and  sovereignty, 
And  in  her  person  cunningly  did  shade 
That  part  of  justice  which  is  equity, 
Whereof  I  have  to  treat  here  presently  : 
Unto  whose  temple  whenas  Britomart 
Arrived,  she  with  great  humility 

Did  enter  in,  ne  would  that  night  depart ; 
But  Talus  mote  not  be  admitted  to  her  part. 

4  There  she  received  was  in  goodly  wise 
Of  many  priests,  which  duly  did  attend 
Upon  the  rites  and  daily  sacrifice, 

All  clad  in  linen  robes  with  silver  hemmed * ; 

And  on  their  heads  with  long  locks  comely  kembed  2 

They  wore  rich  mitres  shaped  like  the  moon, 

To  show  that  Isis  doth  the  moon  portend ; 

Like  as  Osiris  signifies  the  sun  : 

For  that  they  both  like  race  in  equal  justice3  run. 

5  The  championess  them  greeting,  as  she  could,4 
Was  thence  by  them  into  the  temple  led  ; 
Whose  goodly  building  when  she  did  behold 
Borne  upon  stately  pillars,  all  dispread 

With  shining  gold,  and  arched  over  head, 
She  wond'red  at  the  workman's  passing6  skill, 
Whose  like  before  she  never  saw  nor  read ; 

1  Hemmed,  edged.  Upton  remarks,  were  forbidden  to 

2  Kembed,  combed.    Prof.  Child       shave  their  heads." 

says  :  "  The  Egyptian  priests  were  3  In  equal  justice,  i.e.  with  the 

bald,  while  the  Jewish  priests,  as       same  regularity. 

4  As  she  could,  as  she  knew  how.          5  Passing,  surpassing. 


252  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

And  thereupon  long  while  stood  gazing  still, 
But  thought  that  she  thereon  could  never  gaze  her 
fill. 

6  Thenceforth  unto  the  idol 1  they  her  brought ; 
The  which  was  framed  all  of  silver  fine, 

So  well  as  could  with  cunning  hand  be  wrought, 

And  clothed  all  in  garments  made  of  line,2 

Hemmed  all  about  with  fringe  of  silver  twine  : 

Upon  her  head  she  wore  a  crown  of  gold ; 

To  show  that  she  had  pow'r  in  things  divine : 

And  at  her  feet  a  crocodile  was  rolled, 

That  with  her  wreathed  tail  her  middle  3  did  enfold. 

7  One  foot  was  set  upon  the  crocodile, 

And  on  the  ground  the  other  fast  did  stand ; 
So  meaning  to  suppress  both  forged  guile 
And  open  force  :  and  in  her  other  hand  4 
She  stretched  forth  a  long,  white,  slender  wand. 
Such  was  the  goddess  :  whom  when  Britomart 
Had  long  beheld,  herself  upon  the  land  6 
She  did  prostrate,  and  with  right  humble  heart 
Unto  herself  her  silent  prayers  did  impart. 

8  To  which  the  idol  as  it  were  inclining, 
Her  wand  did  move  with  amiable  look, 

By  outward  show  her  inward  sense  designing6: 
Who  well  perceiving  how  her  wand  she  shook, 

1  The  idol,  the  image  of  Isis.  *  In  her  other  hand,  i.e.  in  one 

2  Line,  linen.  of  her  two  hands. 

8  Middle,  waist.  5  Land,  ground. 

6  Designing,  signifying. 


BRITOMART.  253 

It  as  a  token  of  good  fortune  took. 

By  this  the  day  with  damp  was  overcast, 

And  joyous  light  the  house  of  Jove  forsook : 

Which  when  she  saw,  her  helmet  she  unlaced, 

And  by  the  altar's  side  herself  to  slumber  placed. 

9  For  other  beds  the  priests  there  used  none, 
But  on  their  mother  Earth's  dear  lap  did  lie, 
And  bake  1  their  sides  upon  the  cold  hard  stone, 
T' enure  themselves  to  sufferance2  thereby, 
And  proud  rebellious  flesh  to  mortify : 
For,  by  the  vow  of  their  religion, 
They  tied  were  to  steadfast  chastity 
And  continence  of  life  ;  that,  all  forgon,3 
They  mote  the  better  tend  to  their  devotion. 

10  Therefore  they  mote  not  taste  of  fleshly  food, 
Ne  feed  on  ought  the  which  doth  blood  contain, 
Ne  drink  of  wine  4 ;  for  wine  they  say  is  blood, 
Even  the  blood  of  giants,  which  were  slain 
By  thund'ring  Jove  in  the  Phlegrean  plain5: 
For  which  the  Earth,  (as  they  the  story  tell,) 
Wroth  with  the  gods,  which  to  perpetual  pain 
Had  damned  her  sons  which  gainst  them  did  rebel, 
With   inward   grief    and   malice  did   against   them 
swell : 

1  Bake,  i.e.  make  hard.  from  flesh  of  all  kinds,  and  they 

2  Sufferance,  suffering.  drank  wine  sparingly. 

3  All  forgon,  all    foregone,  i.e.  5  Phlegrean  plain  :  the  volcanic 
everything  given  up.  plain  extending  along  the  coast  of 

4  Therefore  they  mote  not,  etc.  Campania,   Italy,   from  Cumaj  to 
The  priests  of  Isis  did  not  abstain  Capua. 


254  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

1 1  And  of  their  vital  blood,  the  which  was  shed 
Into  her  pregnant  bosom,  forth  she  brought 
The  fruitful  vine  ;  whose  liquor  bloody  red, 
Having  the  minds  of  men  with  fury  fraught,1 
Mote  in  them  stir  up  old  rebellious  thought 
To  make  new  war  against  the  gods  again : 
Such  is  the  pow'r  of  that  same  fruit,  that  nought 
The  fell 2  contagion  may  thereof  restrain, 

Ne  within  reason's  rule  her  madding  mood  contain.3 

12  There  did  the  warlike  maid  herself  repose, 
Under  the  wings  of  Isis  all  that  night ; 

And  with  sweet  rest  her  heavy  eyes  did  close, 
After  that  long  day's  toil  and  weary  plight : 
Where  whilst  her  earthly  parts  with  soft  delight 
Of  senseless  sleep  did  deeply  drowned  lie, 
There  did  appear  unto  her  heavenly  sprite 
A  wondrous  vision,  which  did  close  imply4 
The  course  of  all  her  fortune  and  posterity. 

The  maiden  dreamed  of  flame  and  tempest,  and  saw  in  her  dream 
first  a  crocodile,  and  then 

13  .         .         .         a  lion  of  great  might, 
That  shortly  did  all  other  beasts  subdue  : 
With  that  she  waked  full  of  fearful  fright, 

And  doubtfully  dismayed  through  that  so  uncouth  6 
sight. 

14  So  thereupon  long  while  she  musing  lay, 
With  thousand  thoughts  feeding  her  fantasy ; 

1  Fraught,  filled.  8  Contain,  restrain. 

2  Fell,  fierce.  4  Close  imply,  secretly  infold. 

6  Uncouth,  strange. 


BRITOMART.  255 

Until  she  spied  the  lamp  of  lightsome  day 
Up-lifted  in  the  porch  of  heaven  high  : 
Then  up  she  rose,  fraught  with  melancholy, 
And  forth  into  the  lower  parts  did  pass, 
Whereas,  the  priests  she  found  full  busily 
About  their  holy  things  for  morrow  mass  ; 
Whom  she  saluting  fair,  fair  resaluted  was  : 

1 5  But,  by  the  change  of  her  uncheerful  look, 
They  might  perceive  she  was  not  well  in  plight, 
Or  that  some  pensiveness  to  heart  she  took : 
Therefore  thus  one  of  them,  who  seemed  in  sight 
To  be  the  greatest  and  the  gravest  wight, 

To  her  bespake  :  "  Sir  knight,  it  seems  to  me 
That,  thorough  evil  rest  of  this  last  night, 
Or  ill  apayed l  or  much  dismayed  ye  be  ; 
That  by  your  change  of  cheer  is  easy  for  to  see." 

1 6  "Certes,"2  said  she,  "sith  ye  so  well  have  spied 
The  troublous  passion  of  my  pensive  mind, 

I  will  not  seek  the  same  from  you  to  hide  ; 

But  will  my  cares  unfold  in  hope  to  find 

Your  aid  to  guide  me  out  of  error  blind." 

"Say  on,"  quoth  he,  "the  secret  of  your  heart 

For,  by  the  holy  vow  which  me  doth  bind, 

I  am  adjured  best  counsel  to  impart 

To  all  that  shall  require  my  comfort  in  their  smart." 

1 7  Then  gan  she  to  declare  the  whole  discourse 
Of  all  that  vision  which  to  her  appeared, 

1  ///  apayed,  ill  content.  2  Certes,  truly. 


256  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

As  well  as  to  her  mind  it  had  recourse.1 
All  which  when  he  unto  the  end  had  heard, 
Like  to  a  weak,  faint-hearted  man  he  fared,2 
Through  great  astonishment  of  that  strange  sight ; 
And,  with  long  locks  up-standing,  stiffly,  stared 
Like  one  adawed  3  with  some  dreadful  sprite 4 : 
So  filled  with  heavenly  fury,  thus  he  her  behight b : 

1 8  "  Magnifick  virgin,  that  in  quaint  6  disguise 
Of  British  arms  dost  mask  thy  royal  blood, 
So  to  pursue  a  perilous  emprise 7 ; 

How  couldst    thou   ween,  through    that  disguised 

hood,8 

To  hide  thy  state  from  being  understood  ? 
Can  from  th'  immortal  gods  ought  hidden  be  ? 
They  do  thy  linage,  and  thy  lordly  brood, 
They  do  thy  sire  lamenting  sore  for  thee, 
They  do  thy  love  forlorn  in  women's  thraldom  see. 

19  "  The  end  whereof,  and  all  the  long  event, 
They  do  to  thee  in  this  same  dream  discover  : 
For  that  same  crocodile  doth  represent 

The  righteous  knight  that  is  thy  faithful  lover, 

Like  to  Osiris  in  all  just  endeavor  : 

For  that  same  crocodile  Osiris  is, 

That  under  Isis'  feet  doth  sleep  forever  ; 

To  show  that  clemence  oft,  in  things  amiss, 

Restrains  those  stern  behests  and  cruel  dooms  of  his. 

1  It  had  recourse,  it  did  recur.  5  Behight,  addressed. 

2  He  fared,  he  was  affected.  6  Quaint,  ingenious. 

8  Adawed,  confounded.  7  Emprise,  enterprise. 

4  Sprite,  spirit.  8  Hood,  mask. 


BRITOMAKT.  257 

20  "  That    knight    shall    all    the    troublous    storms 

assuage 

And  raging  flames,  that  many  foes  shall  rear 1 
To  hinder  thee  from  the  just. heritage 
Of  thy  sire's  crown,  and  from  thy  country  dear : 
Then  shalt  thou  take  him  to  thy  loved  fere,2 
And  join  in  equal  portion  of  thy  realm  : 
And  afterwards  a  son  to  him  shalt  bear, 
That  lion-like  shall  show  his  pow'r  extreme. 
So  bless  thee  God,  and  give  thee  joyance  of  thy 

dream  ! " 

21  All  which  when  she  unto  the  end  had  heard, 
She  much  was  eased  in  her  troublous  thought, 
And  on  those  priests  bestowed  rich  reward  ; 
And  royal  gifts  of  gold  and  silver  wrought 
She  for  a  present  to  their  goddess  brought. 
Then  taking  leave  of  them,  she  forward  went, 
To  seek  her  love,  where  he  was  to  be  sought, 
Ne  rested  till  she  came  without  relent 3 
Unto  the  land  of  amazons,  as  she  was  bent. 

22  Whereof  when  news  to  Radigund  was  brought, 
Not  with  amaze,  as  women  wonted  be, 

She  was  confused  in  her  troublous  thought, 
But  filled  with  courage  and  with  joyous  glee, 
As  glad  to  hear  of  arms,  the  which  now  she 
Had  long  surceased,4  she  bade  to  open  bold, 
That  she  the  face  of  her  new  foe  might  see  : 

1  Rear,  raise,  excite.  8  Relent,  delay. 

2  Fere,  mate,  companion.  4  Surceased,  i.e.  ceased  using. 


258  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

But  when  they  of  that  iron  man  had  told, 
Which  late  her  folk  had  slain,  she  bade  them  forth 
to  hold.1 

23  So  there  without  the  gate,  as  seemed  best, 
She  caused  her  pavilion  be  pight2; 

In  which  stout 3  Britomart  herself  did  rest, 
Whiles  Talus  watched  at  the  door  all  night. 
All  night  likewise  they  of  the  town  in  fright 
Upon  their  wall  good  watch  and  ward  did  keep. 
The  morrow  next,  so  soon  as  dawning  light 
Bade  do  away  the  damp  of  drowsy  sleep, 
The  warlike  amazon  out  of  her  bow'r  did  peep ; 

24  And  caused  straight  a  trumpet  loud  to  shrill, 
To  warn  her  foe  to  battle  soon  be  prest 4 ; 
Who,  long  before  awoke,  (for  she  full  ill 
Could  sleep  all  night,  that  in  unquiet  breast 
Did  closely5  harbour  such  a  jealous6  guest,) 
Was  to  the  battle  whilom  7  ready  dight,8 
Eftsoones  9  that  warrioress  with  haughty  crest 
Did  forth  issue,  all  ready  for  the  fight ; 

On  th'  other  side  the  foe  appeared  soon  in  sight. 

25  But,  ere  they  reared  hand,  the  amazone 
Began  the  strait 10  conditions  to  propound, 

1  She  bade  them  forth  to  hold,  i.e.  4  Prest,  ready, 
she  bade  them  to  proceed,  to  go  6  Closely,  secretly, 
outside  the  walls.     As  she  feared            6  Jealous,  suspicious. 

Talus,  she  would  not  allow  him  to  7  Whilom,   means    here,    some 

enter  the  city.  time  before. 

2  right,  pitched.  8  Dight,  prepared. 

8  Stout,  dauntless.  9  Eftsoones,  immediately. 

10  Strait,  strict,  severe. 


BRITOMART.  259 

With  which  she  used  still  to  tie  her  fone,1 

To  serve  her  so,  as  she  the  rest  had  bound  : 

Which  when  the  other  heard,  she  sternly  frowned 

For  high  disdain  of  such  indignity, 

And  would  no  lenger  treat,  but  bade  them  sound : 

For  her  no  other  terms  should  ever  tie 

Then  what  prescribed  were  by  laws  of  chivalry. 

26  The  trumpets  sound,  and  they  together  run 

With  greedy  rage,  and  with  their  falchions  smot  ; 
Ne  either  sought  the  other's  strokes  to  shun, 
But  through  great  fury  both  their  skill  forgot, 
And  practicke2  use  in  arms  ;    •  . 


27  As  when  a  tiger  and  a  lioness 

Are  met  at  spoiling  of  some  hungry  prey, 
Both  challenge  3  it  with  equal  greediness  : 
But  first  the  tiger  claws  thereon  did  lay ; 
And  therefore,  loath  to  lose  her  right  away, 
Doth  in  defence  thereof  full  stoutly  stond  : 
To  which  the  lion  strongly  doth  gainsay, 
That  she  to  hunt  the  beast  first  took  in  hond, 
And  therefore  ought  it  have  wherever  she  it  fond. 

28  Full  fiercely  laid  the  amazon  about, 
And  dealt  her  blows  unmercifully  sore  ; 
Which  Britomart  withstood  with  courage  stout, 
And  then  repaid  again  with  double  more. 

So  long  they  fought,  that  all  the  grassy  floor 

1  Fone,  foes.  2  Practicke,  practiced. 

3  Challenge,  claim. 


260  THE  FAERY  QUEENE. 

Was  filled  with  blood  which  from  their  sides  did  flow, 
And  gushed  through  their  arms,  that  all  in  gore 
They  trode,  and  on  the  ground  their  lives  did  strow, 
Like  fruitless  seed,  of  which  untimely  death  should 
grow. 

29  At  last  proud  Radigund  with  fell  despite,1 
Having  by  chance  espied  advantage  near, 
Let  drive  at  her  with  all  her  dreadful  might, 
And  thus  upbraiding  said  :  "  This  token  bear 
Unto  the  man  whom  thou  dost  love  so  dear  ; 
And  tell  him  for  his  sake  thy  life  thou  gavest." 
Which  spiteful  words  she  sore  engrieved  to  hear, 
Thus  answered  :  "  Lewdly2  thou  my  love  depravest,3 
Who    shortly    must    repent    that    now    so    vainly 

bravest." 

30  Nathless  that  stroke  so  cruel  passage  found, 
That,  glancing  on  her  shoulder-plate,  it  bit 
Unto  the  bone,  and  made  a  grisly 4  wound, 
That  she  her  shield  through  raging  smart  of  it 
Could  scarce  uphold ;  yet  soon  she  it  requit ; 
For,  having  force  increased  through  furious  pain, 
She  her  so  rudely  on  the  helmet  smit, 

That  it  empierced  to  the  very  brain, 

And  her  proud  person  low  prostrated  on  the  plain. 

3 1  Where  being  laid,  the  wrothful  Britoness 
Stayed  not  till  she  came  to  herself  again  ; 
But  in  revenge  both  of  her  love's  distress 

1  Fell  despite,  fierce  hatred.  8  Depravest,  defamest. 

2  Lewdly,  impudently.  4  Grisly,  dreadful. 


BRITOMAKT.  261 

And  her  late  vile  reproach,  though  vaunted  vain, 
And  also  of  her  wound,  which  sore  did  pain, 
She  with  one  stroke  both  head  and  helmet  cleft  : 
Which  dreadful  sight  when  all  her1  warlike  train 
There  present  saw,  each  one,  of  sense  bereft, 
Fled  fast  into  the  town,  and  her  sole  victor  left. 

32  But  yet  so  fast  they  could  not  home  retrate, 
But  that  swift  Talus  did  the  foremost  win  2 ; 
And,  pressing  through  the  preace  3  unto  the  gate, 
Pellmell  with  them  at  once  did  enter  in  : 

There  then  a  piteous  slaughter  did  begin  ; 
For  all  that  ever  came  within  his  reach 
He  with  his  iron  flail  did  thresh  so  thin, 
That  he  no  work  at  all  left  for  the  leech  4 ; 
Like  to  an  hideous  storm  which  nothing  may  em- 
peach.5 

33  And  now  by  this  the  noble  conqueress 
Herself  came  in,  her  glory  to  partake ; 
Where  though  revengeful  vows  she  did  profess, 
Yet,  when  she  saw  the  heaps  which  he  did  make 
Of  slaught'red  carcasses,  her  heart  did  quake 
For  very  ruth,6  which  did  it  almost  rive,7 

That  she  his  fury  willed  him  to  slake  8 : 
For  else  he  sure  had  left  not  one  alive  ; 
But  all,  in  his  revenge,  of  spirit 9  would  deprive. 

1  Her,  i.e.  Radigund's.  6  Empeach,  hinder. 

2  Win,  overtake.  6  Ruth,  pity. 

3  Preace,  press.  7  Rive,  rend. 

4  Leech,  physician.  8  Slake,  allay. 

9  Spirit,  here,  breath. 


262  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

34  Tho,1  when  she  had  his  execution  stayed, 
She  for  that  iron  prison  did  inquire, 

In  which  her  wretched  love  was  captive  laid  : 

Which  breaking  open  with  indignant  ire, 

She  ent'red  into  all  the  parts  entire  2 : 

Where  when  she  saw  that  loathly  uncouth  3  sight 

Of  men  disguised  in  womanish  attire, 

Her  heart  .gan  grudge4  for  very  deep  despite 

Of  so  unmanly  mask  in  misery  misdight.5 

35  At  last  whenas  to  her  own  love  she  came, 
Whom  like  disguise  no  less  deformed  had, 
At  sight  thereof  abashed  with  secret  shame, 
She  turned  her  head  aside,  as  nothing  glad 
To  have  beheld  a  spectacle  so  bad ; 

And  then  too  well  believed  that  which  tofore 
Jealous  suspect  as  true  untruly  drad  6 : 
Which  vain  conceit  now  nourishing  no  more, 
She  sought  with  ruth  to  salve  his  sad  misfortune's 
sore. 

36  Not  so  great  wonder  and  astonishment 
Did  the  most  chaste  Penelope 7  possess, 
To  see  her  lord,  that  was  reported  drent 8 
And  dead  long  since  in  dolorous  distress, 
Come  home  to  her  in  piteous  wretchedness, 

1  Tho,  then.  without  reason.     She  at  first  be- 

-  Entire,  interior.  lieved  that  Artegall  had  been  false 

3  Uncouth,  strange.  to  her  and  had  given  his  affection 

4  Grudge,  grow  indignant.  to  Radigund. 

6  Misdight,  wrongly  clad.  7  Penelope,  the  wife  of  Ulysses, 

6  Untruly   drad,  i.e.  suspected       the  hero  of  Homer's  "  Odyssey." 
8  Drent,  drenched,  drowned. 


BRITOMART.  263 

After  long  travel  of  full  twenty  years  ; 
That  she  knew  not  his  favor's  likeliness,1 
For  many  scars  and  many  hoary  hairs  ; 
But  stood  long  staring  -on  him  mongst  uncertain 
fears. 

37  "  Ah  !  my  dear  lord,  what  sight  is  this  ?  "  quoth  she  ; 
"  What  May-game  2  hath  misfortune  made  of  you  ? 
Where  is  that  dreadful  manly  look  ?  where  be 
Those  mighty  palms,  the  which  ye  wont  t'  embrue 
In  blood  of  kings,  and  great  hosts  to  subdue  ? 
Could   ought   on  earth  so  wondrous  change   have 

wrought, 

As  to  have  robbed  you  of  that  manly  hue  ? 
Could  so  great  courage  stooped  have  to  ought  ? 
Then    farewell,  fleshly  force ;    I   see   thy   pride   is 

naught !  " 

38  Thenceforth  she  straight  unto  a  bow'r3  him  brought, 
And  caused  him  those  uncomely  weeds  undight4; 
And  in  their  stead  for  other  raiment  sought, 
Whereof  there  was  great  store,  and  armors  bright, 
Which  had  been  reft  from  5  many  a  noble  knight, 
Whom  that  proud  amazon  subdued  had, 

Whilst  fortune  favored  her  success  in  fight  : 
In  which  whenas  she  him  anew  had  clad, 
She  was  revived,  and  joyed  much  in  his  semblance  6 
glad. 

4  Those  uncomely  weeds  undight, 

1  His  favor  *j  likeliness,  i.e.  the       i.e.  to  lay  aside  those  unbecoming 
likeness  of  his  countenance.  garments. 

2  May-game,  sport.  6  Reft  from,  taken  from. 
8  Bower,  room.                                         6  Semblance,  appearance. 


264  THE   FAERY  QUEENE. 

39  So  there  awhile  they  afterwards  remained, 
Him  to  refresh,  and  her  late  wounds  to  heal : 
During  which  space  she  there  as  princess  reigned ; 
And,  changing  all  that  form  of  common-weal, 

The  liberty  of  women  did  repeal, 
Which  they  had  long  usurped ;  and,  them  restoring 
To  men's  subjection,  did  true  justice  deal  : 
That  all  they,  as  a  goddess  her  adoring, 
Her  wisdom    did    admire,1  and    heark'ned    to    her 
loring.2 

40  For  all  those  knights,  which  long  in  captive  shade 
Had  shrouded  been,  she  did  from  thraldom  free  ; 
And  magistrates  of  all  that  city  made, 

And  gave  to  them  great  living  and  large  fee3: 

And,  that  they  should  forever  faithful  be, 

Made  them  swear  fealty  to  Artegall : 

Who  when  himself  now  well  recured  did  see, 

He  purposed  to  proceed,  whatso  befall, 

Upon  his  first  adventure  4  which  him  forth  did  call. 

41  Full  sad  and  sorrowful  was  Britomart 
For  his  departure,  her  new  cause  of  grief; 
Yet  wisely  moderated  her  own  smart, 
Seeing  his  honor,  which  she  tend'red  chief,6 
Consisted  much  in  that  adventure's  priefe  6 : 
The  care  whereof,  and  hope  of  his  success, 
Gave  unto  her  great  comfort  and  relief, 

1  Admire,  wonder  at.  to  deliver  Irena  from  the  oppres- 

2  Loring,  teaching.  sion  of  Grantorto. 

3  Fee,  possessions.  5  Which  she  tend'red  chief,  i.e. 

4  His  first  adventure ;  this  was  for  which  she  had  cared  most  of  all. 

6  Friefe,  proof,  achievement.       . 


BRITOMART.  265 

That  womanish  complaints  she  did  repress, 
And  temp'red  for  the  time  her  present  heaviness. 

42  There  she  continued  for  a  certain  space, 

Till  through  his  want l  her  woe  did  more  increase  : 
Then,  hoping  that  the  change  of  air  and  place 
Would  change  her  pain,  and  sorrow  somewhat  ease, 
She  parted  thence,  her  anguish  to  appease. 
Meanwhile  her  noble  lord,  Sir  Artegall, 
Went  on  his  way,  ne  ever  hour  did  cease, 
Till  he  redeemed  had  that  lady  thrall : 
That  for  another  canto  will  more  fitly  fall. 

Spenser  relates  Artegall's  further  adventures,  but  does  not  again 
mention  Britomart.  However,  since  both  Merlin  and  the  priest  of  Isis 
have  prophesied  her  happy  union  with  the  knight  of  Justice,  we  are 
not  left  in  doubt  regarding  her  future. 

1  His  want,  i.e.  her  want  of  him. 


CLASSICS    FOR    CHILDREN. 


Choice  Literature  ;  Judicious  Notes  ;    Large  Type  i 
Firm  Binding ;    Low  Prices. 


For  a  full  description  of  these  books,  see  our  Common  School  Catalogue. 


Aesop's  Fables. 

Andersen's    Fairy    Tales.       First 

Series. 
Andersen's  Fairy  Tales.     Second 

Series. 

Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Progress. 
Hurt's  Stories  from  Plato. 
Chesterfield's  Letters. 
Church's    Stories    of    the    Old 

World. 

Defoe's  Robinson  Crusoe. 
Dickens'  Tale  of  Two  Cities. 
Cervantes'    Don    Quixote   of    La 

Mancha. 
Epictetus. 
Fiske-Irving's  Washington  and 

His  Country. 

Francillon's  Gods  and  Heroes. 
Franklin  :  His  Life  by  Himself. 
Goldsmith's  Vicar  of  Wakefield. 
Grimm's  Fairy  Tales,  Part  I. 
Grimm's  Fairy  Tales,  Part  II. 
Grote    and    Segur's   Two    Great 

Retreats. 

Hale's  Arabian  Nights. 
Hudson  and  Lamb's  Merchant  of 

Venice. 

Hughes'  Tom  Brown  at  Rugby. 
Irving's  Alhambra. 


Irving's    Sketch-Book.      (Six    Se- 
lections.) 

Johnson's  Rasselas. 
Kingsley's  Greek  Heroes. 
Kingsley's  Water  Babies. 
Lamb's  Adventures  of  Ulysses. 
Lamb's  Tales  from  Shakespeare 
Marcus  Aurelius. 
Martineau's    Peasant    and    the 

Prhice. 

Montgomery's  Heroic  Ballads. 
Plutarch's  Lives. 
Ruskin's    King   of   the   Golden 

River. 

Selections  from  Ruskin. 
Scott's  Guy  Mannering. 

Ivanhoe. 

Lady  of  the  Lake. 

Lay  of  the  Last  Minstrel. 

Marmion. 

Old  Mortality. 

Quentin  Durward. 

Rob  Roy. 

Tales  of  a  Grandfather. 

Talisman. 

Swift's  Gulliver's  Travels. 
Williams  and  Foster's  Selections 

for  Memorizing. 
Wyss'  Swiss  Family  Robinson. 


CINN    &    COMPANY,    Publishers, 

BOSTON,  NEW  YORK,  AND  CHICAGO. 


9  <?ompai7y's  School  libraries. 


No.  1.  SCOTT'S  NOVELS  AND 
POEMS.  Ten  volumes  for  $5.75.  Six 
great  historical  romances,  three  stirring 
and  ever-popular  poems,  and  the  charm- 
ing "  Tales,"  —  the  masterpieces  of  this 
great  magician.  There  are  no  better  books 
to  interest  young  people. 

No.  2.  OLD=TIHE  CLASSICS.  Ten 
volumes  for  $4.75.  —  Ten  old-time, 
ever-fresh,  ever-interesting  Classics  which 
hold  their  sweetness  and  goodness  as  the 
years  roll  round.  Other  books  come  and 
go,  but  these  abide. 

No.  3.  POPULAR  FABLES  AND 
STORIES.  Ten  volumes  for  $4.75.— 

Interesting  and  instructive  fables,  fairy 
tales  and  popular  stories  for  young 
folks,  written  in  an  attractive  style. 
They  are  as  charming  and  instructive 
as  the  great  masters  of  language  can 
make  them. 

No.  4.  STANDARD  ENGLISH 
CLASSICS.  Ten  volumes  for  $5.25. 
—  Staunch,  sterling,  sensible  books  by 
English  classical  writers.  They  are  the 
finest  and  best  known  works  of  our 
world-famous  authors. 

No.  5.  RUGBY  LIBRARY  FOR 
YOUNG  MEN.  Ten  volumes  for 
$5.60. — The  best  books  are  none  too 
good  as  an  incentive  to  young  men  who 
are  ambitious  to  make  a  place  for  them- 
selves iu  this  world. 

No.  6.  REFERENCE  LIBRARY 
FOR  GRAMMAR  SCHOOLS.  Eigh= 
teen  volumes  for  $14.50.  —  Every 
Grammar  School  that  is  abreast  of  the 
times  should  have  these  eighteen  sub- 
stantial works,  arranged  for  easy  refer- 
ence in  the  schoolroom. 

No.  7.  REFERENCE  LIBRARY 
FOR  HIGH  SCHOOLS.  Fifteen  vol- 
umes for  $21.00. — The  high  school 
library  cannot  have  too  many  sterling 
books  for  quick  reference.  These  fifteen 
works  will  serve  to  round  out  your  library 
and  make  it  a  better  source  of  instruction 
and  information. 

No.  8.  LIBRARY  FOR  UNGRADED 
SCHOOLS,  No.  1.  Fifteen  volumes 
for  $6.50.  — The  ungraded  school  library 
must  provide  a  great  variety  of  books. 
Fiction,  history,  natural  science,  romance, 
poetry,  should  be  drawn  from  to  provide 
a  palatable  and  nutritious  mental  bill 
of  fare. 


No.  9.  LIBRARY  FOR  UNGRADED 
SCHOOLS,  No.  2.  Twenty  volumes 
for  $11.50. —  Every  ungraded  school 
needs  an  all-round,  serviceable  library  — 
something  interesting,  instructive,  and 
stimulating  for  all,  from  the  youngest  to 
the  oldest  scholar  in  school.  This  library 
will  be  found  to  meet  this  want. 

No.  10.  LIBRARY  FOR  UN  = 
GRADED  SCHOOLS,  No.  3.  Thirty 
volumes  for  $17.50.  —  A  strong  and 
attractive  library  for  ungraded  schools. 
Thirty  readable  and  instructive  books  for 
everyday  reading  and  reference. 

No.  11.  A  TEACHER'S  LIBRARY. 
Sixteen  volumes  for  $1 1.50. —A  live 
teacher  needs  good  tools  in  the  shape  of 
a  well  arranged,  well  selected  library,  to 
keep  in  touch  with  all  that  is  fresh  and 
choice  in  the  educational  world.  This 
library  will  make  a  substantial  working 
set  of  books. 

No.  12.  HUDSON'S  SCHOOL 
SHAKESPEARE.  Twenty=three  vol- 
umes for  $10.00. — The  most  conven- 
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the  market.  The  convenient  size  and  shape 
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notes,  all  combine  to  make  this  a  most  fit- 
ting dress  for  the  world's  great  dramatist. 

No.  13.  HUDSON'S  HARVARD 
SHAKESPEARE.  Twenty  volumes 
for  $25.00. — This  is  pre-eminently  the 
edition  for  school  libraries  of  an  advanced 
grade.  The  type,  paper,  and  binding  are 
attractive  and  superior,  and  the  introduc- 
tions and  notes  represent  the  editor's 
ripest  thought. 

No.  14.  HUDSON'S  HARVARD 
SHAKESPEARE.  Ten  volumes  for 
$20.00.  —  This  library  is  exactly  the 
same  as  the  preceding  one  except  that 
there  are  ten  volumes  instead  of  twenty. 
There  are  four  plays  in  each  volume. 

No.  15.  HOME  AND  SCHOOL  LI- 
BRARY. Thirty  volumes  for  $14. 50. 

—  The  cream  of  all  that  is  attractive, 
sound  and  wholesome  in  classic  literature. 
The  judicious  notes,  large  type,  firm  bind- 
ing and  low  price  are  its  strong  features. 
There  can  be  nothing  better  for  a  basal 
library  for  the  average  school  or  family. 

The  separate  books  of  this  library  have 
been  read  and  re-read  by  thousands  of 
young  people,  in  our  "  Classics  for  Chil- 
dren. 


Our  Portrait  Catalogue  of  School  Libraries  sent  free  to  any  address. 

GINN  &  COMPANY,  Publishers,  Boston,  New  York,  Chicago, 


James  Parton,  the  Historian,  called  Jane  Andrews,  the  author  of  these  books,  "the  best 
teacher  in  the  world." 


THE  JANE  ANDREWS  BOOKS 

A  remarkable  series  of  attractive  and  interesting  books  for  young 
people,  —  written  in  a  clear,  easy,  and  picturesque  style.  This  is  the 
famous  Jane  Andrews  series  which  has  been  for  many  years  an  old-time 
favorite  with  young  folks.  Other  juvenile  books  come  and  go,  but  the 
Jane  Andrews  books  maintain  the  irresistible  charm  they  always  have  had. 

THE  SEVEN  LITTLE  SISTERS  WHO  LIVE  ON  THE  ROUND 
BALL  THAT  FLOATS  IN  THE  AIR.  i2mo.  Cloth.  143  pages. 
Illustrated.  For  introduction,  50  cents. 

EACH  AND  ALL ;  THE  SEVEN  LITTLE  SISTERS  PROVE  THEIR 
SISTERHOOD.  I2mo.  Cloth.  Illustrated.  162  pages.  For 
introduction,  50  cents. 

THE  STORIES  MOTHER  NATURE  TOLD  HER  CHILDREN.  i2mo. 
Cloth.  Illustrated.  161  pages.  For  introduction,  50  cents. 

TEN  BOYS  WHO  LIVED  ON  THE  ROAD  FROM  LONG  AGO  TO 
NOW.  lamo.  Cloth.  243  pages.  Illustrated.  For  introduction, 
50  cents. 

GEOGRAPHICAL  PLAYS.  I2tno.  Cloth.  140  pages.  For  Intro- 
duction, $r.oo. 

The  "  Seven  Little  Sisters  "  represent  the  seven  races,  and  the  book 
shows  how  people  live  in  the  various  parts  of  the  world,  what  their 
manners  and  customs  are,  what  the  products  of  each  section  are  and 
how  they  are  interchanged. 

"  Each  and  All "  continues  the  story  of  Seven  Little  Sisters,  and  tells 
more  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  various  races,  especially  in  relation  to 
childhood. 

Dame  Nature  unfolds  in  "  Stories  Mother  Nature  Told  "  some  of  her 
most  precious  secrets.  She  tells  about  the  amber,  about  the  dragon-fly 
and  its  wonderful  history,  about  water-lilies,  how  the  Indian  corn  grows, 
what  queer  pranks  the  Frost  Giants  indulge  in,  about  coral,  and  starfish, 
and  coal  mines,  and  many  other  things  in  which  children  take  delight. 

In  "  Ten  Boys  "  the  History  of  the  World  is  summarized  in  the  stories 
of  Kabla  the  Aryan  boy,  Darius  the  Persian  boy,  Cleon  the  Greek  boy, 
Horatius  the  Roman  boy,  Wulf  the  Saxon  boy,  Gilbert  the  Knight's 
page,  Roger  the  English  boy,  Fuller  the  Puritan  boy,  Dawson  the 
Yankee  boy,  and  Frank  Wilson  the  boy  of  1885. 

In  "Ten  Boys  "  one  is  struck  with  the  peculiar  excellence  of  its  style,  —  clear,  easy, 
graceful,  and  picturesque,  —  which  a  child  cannot  fail  to  comprehend,  and  in  which 
r'  children  of  a  larger  growth  "  will  find  an  irresistible  charm.  —  John  G.  WMttier. 


GINN  &  COMPANY.  Publishers,  Boston,  New  York,  and  Chicago, 


Open  Sesame! 

About  One  Thousand  Pieces  of  the  Choicest  Prose  and  Verse. 

COMPILED    BY 

BLANCHE  WILDER  BELLAMY  AND  MAUD  WILDER  GOODWIN. 

VOL.  I.  for  children  from  four  to  ten  years  old. 
VOL.  II.  for  children  from  ten  to  fourteen  years  old. 
VOL.  III.  for  children  of  a  larger  growth. 


Illustrated,  and  handsomely  bonnd  in  cloth.    Price  of  each  to  teachers,  and 
for  introduction,  75  cents. 


No  Eastern  romancer  ever  dreamed  of  such  a  treasure- 
house  as  our  English  literature. 

With  this  "Open  Sesame"  in  his  possession,  a  boy  or  girl 
has  only  to  enter  and  make  its  wealth  his  own. 

Every  piece  is  believed  to  be  worth  carrying  away  in  the 
memory. 

The  best  writings  of  our  classic  authors  are  here,  with 
selections  from  recent  literature  and  not  a  few  translations. 

E.  A.  Sheldon,  Principal  of  State  Normal  School,  Oswego,  N.  V. :  It  is  very  good 
indeed.     We  think  it  the  best  of  all  the  collections. 

F.  B.  Palmer,  Principal  of  State  Normal  School,  Fredonia,  N.  Y. :    I  think  it  by 
far  the  best  collection  of  memory  pieces  I  have  ever  seen. 

W.  E.  Buck,  Superintendent  of  Public  Schools,  Manchester,  N.H. :  It  is  a  beauty, 
and  of  all  similar  works  I  have  seen,  it  has  the  most  desirable  selections. 

Chas.  W.  Cole,  Superintendent  of  Public  Schools,  Albany,  N.  Y. :  The  book  is  a 
handsome  specimen  of  the  arts  of  typography  and  binding,  while  the  selections  and  their 
arrangement  speak  well  for  the  judgment  and  taste  of  the  editors. 

A.  B.  Poland,  Assistant  Superintendent  of  Schools,  Neiv  York  City:  The  selec- 
tions are  excellent.  The  editors  have  shown  great  literary  judgment.  The  publishers 
have  exhibited  their  usual  good  taste  in  the  make-up  of  the  books. 

H.  O.  Wheeler,  Superintendent  of  Schools,  Burlington,  I't.  :  The  work  of  selec- 
tion and  arrangement  of  materials  in  these  books  has  been  done  with  fine  taste  and  good 
judgment. 

O.  H.  Longwell,  President,  Highland  Park  Normal  College,  Des  Moines,  la. : 
I  doubt  if  there  is  anything  published  that  can  be  used  to  such  good  advantage  in  our 
school  libraries  as  these  three  volumes.  The  selections  are  the  best  I  have  seen. 


GINN   &  COMPANY,  Publishers,  Boston,  New  York,  Chicago,  Atlanta. 


A    BOOK    OF   THE    RAREST    EXCELLENCE. 


The  Knowledge  of  a  Royal  Astronomer 

COMBINED   WITH 

The  Happy  Faculty  of  the  Story-  Teller, 


By   SIR    ROBERT    S.    BALL, 

Royal  Astronomer  of  Ireland. 


Cloth.    384  pages.    Folly  Illustrated.    For  introduction,  $1.00. 


fascinating  book  treats,  in  a  manner  equally 
true  to  science  and  attractive  to  children,  all  the 
chief  topics  of  Astronomy  :  the  sun,  the  moon,  the 
planets,  comets,  meteors,  and  the  stars. 

TWO    REPRESENTATIVE    OPINIONS. 

It  p/eases  and  satisfies  the  learned. 

The  Right  Hon.  W.  E.  GLADSTONE: — "I  have  now  finished  reading 
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sense  enrolled  amongst  your  young  pupils." 

It  instructs  and  delights  the  children. 

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only  to  interest  and  instruct,  but  to  lead  to  greater  effort,  on  the  part  of 
the  learner,  in  the  right  direction." 


For  the  regular  study  of  Astronomy,  one  or  another  of 
Young's  three  books  will  be  found  precisely  adapted  to  the 
requirements.  Send  for  a  descriptive  circular. 


GINN  &  COMPANY,  Publishers, 

BOSTON,  NEW  YORK,  AND  CHICAGO. 


THE    BEST    SUPPLEMENTARY    READING. 


NATURE  STUDY 

THE  JANE  ANDREWS  BOOKS.  By  JANE  ANDREWS. 
The  Seven  Little  Sisters.  For  introduction,  50  cents. 
Each  and  All.  For  introduction,  50  cents. 

Stories  Mother  Nature  Told  her  Children.  For  introduction, 
50  cents. 

STUDY  AND  STORY  NATURE  READERS.     By  J.  H.  STICKNEY, 

Author  of  the  Stickney  Readers. 
Now  Ready. 

Pets  and  Companions.  P'or  primary  grades.  Sq.  i2mo.  Cloth. 
Fully  illustrated.  142  pages.  For  introduction,  30  cents. 

ALL  THE  YEAR  ROUND.  By  FRANCES  L.  STRONG  of  the  Teachers' 

Training  School,  St.  Paul,  Minn. 
Part  I.     Autumn.     In  press. 
Part  II.   Winter.    Sq.  12010.   Cloth.    Fully  illustrated.    102  pages. 

For  introduction,  30  cents. 
Part  III.    Spring.    Sq.  i2mo.   Cloth.    Fully  illustrated.   99  pages. 

For  introduction,  30  cents. 

LITTLE  NATURE  STUDIES  FOR  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  From  the 
Essays  of  JOHN  BURROUGHS.  Edited  by  MARY  E.  BURT. 

Volume  I.  A  Primer  and  a  First  Reader.  Boards.  106  pages. 
Illustrated.  For  introduction,  25  cents. 

Volume  II.  A  Second  Reader  and  a  Third  Reader.  Illustrated. 
Boards.  103  pages.  For  introduction,  25  cents. 

GLIMPSES  AT  THE  PLANT  WORLD.  By  FANNY  I).  BERGEN. 
Fully  illustrated.  Cloth.  156  pages.  For  introduction,  50  cents. 

SEED-BABIES.  By  MARGARET  W.  MORLEY,  recently  instructor 
in  Biology,  Armour  Institute,  Chicago.  Boards.  Illustrated. 
75  pages.  For  introduction,  25  cents. 

LITTLE  FLOWER  PEOPLE.  By  GERTRUDE  ELISABETH  HALE. 
Sq.  I2mo.  Cloth.  Illustrated.  85  pages.  For  introduction, 
40  cents. 

STARLAND.  By  SIR  ROBERT  S.  BALL,  Royal  Astronomer  of  Ireland. 
Illustrated.  Cloth.  376  pages.  For  introduction,  $1.06. 


GINN    &    COMPANY,   Publishers, 

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